THE AMERICANIZATION OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Benjamin Franklin, one of the best-known Americans at the time of the Revolution, rose from humble beginnings with the help of wealthy friends impressed with his intelligence. The scientist, writer, and printer was a reluctant revolutionary--he stayed in London in hopes of reaching a compromise with England--but his support of the rebels was instrumental in gaining French assistance. This biography looks at Franklin's life through his own words, those of the many critics he faced as an emerging member of the new American middle class, and those who later on saw in Franklin a template for their own lives. Peter Johnson reads as a lecturer, conveying information with only occasional emotion. Still, the evolution of Franklin's image, through his own efforts and those of others, is a fascinating prism through which to view the founding of our nation. J.A.S. 2005 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]