Friday, January 25, 2008

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

I'm not sure how to write a review about a book such as this especially when the subject is one of such legend as Benjamin Franklin. I'd bet that just about everyone that grew up in the US can almost instantly conjure up some image of Franklin or something that has an association with him at the mere mention of his name.

I remember when this book first came out a few years back I wanted to read it and somehow time got in the way and I put it off, until now. I found it interesting to see the bits and pieces of stories that I've always conjured upon mention of his name come to life in the context of the period in time in which they occurred and the actual way they happened.

I'm not sure the book is for everyone. While very well written and interesting, a 500 page book of non-fiction set in the 1700's in three different countries isn't everyone's idea of a good time. However, if it remotely sparks your interest, I say take it for a spin...Franklin was a remarkable and interesting man and this story was nothing short of fascinating to me.

So, how'd I do? Did I manage to write a cohesive review of such a book? Peace.

2 comments:

brandy said...

Excellent job! I'm currently reading the Einstein biography by the same author. I'm feeling the same way about it- it's incredibly well written and researched but it's SO LONG, and drags in parts. Definitely not something that everyone will love. Perhaps when (if?) I finish with Einstein I will move on to Ben. I do love Franklin.

Chris said...

Brandy - Thanks for the nod. Einstein sounds like an interesting read.