Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
This is a terrific biography of one of the first true American Renaissance men. Franklin was a prolific writer, a successful printer, a renowned scientist, an effective satirist and humorist, and his work in foreign service before we actually had a Foreign Service helped pave the way for this new nation’s success.

If most of what you know about Franklin comes from tepidly-written schoolbooks, you probably don’t have a grasp on the scope of his accomplishments. This biography brings him to life. He was so far ahead of his time that, if he were to be dropped by a time machine into New York City this weekend, I’m confident he’d be comfortable within an hour. His relaxed views on religion (he believed in a benevolent God who rewarded good deeds and hard work as opposed to the more prevalent Puritan view that featured holy omnipotence and its predetermined menu of pain and suffering) seems remarkably brave given the fire and brimstone of his time. He was a pragmatist, constantly organizing and designing: clubs, associations, libraries, lightening rods, fireplaces, etc. all to the betterment of a growing middle class. Isaacson tells this story chronologically, complete with all Franklin’s strengths and shortcomings. Like so many men who achieve greatness, he was sadly estranged from his son, William, who supported the British during the revolution. His doting wife, Deborah, remained behind in Philadelphia while her husband was overseas, initially to win French favor in helping to defeat the British in the War of Independence and remaining afterward to negotiate the peace (with the much younger John Adams and Thomas Jefferson); he was away for 16 of the final 17 years of her life.

Isaacson points out in closing that Franklin’s reputation has been reevaluated by every generation to suit their own needs and biases. His stock has again risen in this time of political and religious unrest and global climate change. His story brings into relief our desperation as we search for leaders who have but a portion of his worldliness, intelligence and talent. Anyone who loves American history will enjoy reading about one of our country’s greatest men.

–Sean Coakley