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A Benjamin Franklin Reader Walter Isaacson

A Benjamin Franklin Reader By Walter Isaacson

A Benjamin Franklin Reader by Walter Isaacson


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A Benjamin Franklin Reader Summary

A Benjamin Franklin Reader by Walter Isaacson

A selection of Benjamin Franklins writings, with an introduction and commentary by renowned author Walter Isaacson.

Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, this collection of Franklins writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains Americas favorite founder and wit. Includes an introductory essay exploring Franklins life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a preface and notes that provide background, context, and analysis.

A Benjamin Franklin Reader Reviews

"In its common sense, clarity, and accessibility, it is a fitting reflection of Franklin's sly pragmatism....This may be the book that most powerfully drives a new pendulum swing of the Franklin reputation." * The New York Times *
"The most readable full-length Franklin biography available." * The Washington Post Book World *
"A thoroughly researched, crisply written, convincingly argued chronicle." * The New York Times Book Review *

About Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin,and Albert Einstein.He is a professor of history at Tulane and was CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN, and editor ofTime.He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023. Visit him atIsaacson.Tulane.edu.

Table of Contents

Contents

Chronology

Key Characters

Introduction


Part 1: The Young Apprentice

Silence Dogood Introduces Herself

Silence Dogood on Courtship

Silence Dogood Attacks Harvard

Silence Dogood's Recipe for Poetry

Silence Dogood Attacks the Puritan Theocracy

Silence Dogood Proposes Civic Improvements

A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity

Plan of Conduct

Advice to His Sister on Her Marriage

A New Creed and Liturgy


Part 2: The Philadelphia Printer

The First Abortion Controversy

The Busy-Body

Franklin the Editor

The Lessons of Misprints

Rules for Marriage

A Scolding Wife

A Witch Trial at Mount Holly

A Printer's Creed

Sex Sells

Anthony Afterwit on Marriage

Celia Single Responds

In Praise of Gossip

The Discussion Club

How to Please in Conversation


Part 3: Poor Richard and Friends

Introducing Poor Richard

Poor Richard vs. Mr. Leeds

On the Death of Infants

Poor Richard Denies He Is Franklin

Faith Versus Good Works

Poor Richard Blames His Printer

The Drinker's Dictionary

How to Write an Almanac

Poor Richard's Wife Takes Her Turn

Poor Richard Defends Astrology and Wit

A Defense of Religious Tolerance

A Ballad for Deborah

Reasons to Choose an Older Mistress

Polly Baker's Trial


Part 4: The Public Citizen

A Call to Arms for the Middling People

The University of Pennsylvania

How to Be a Good Tradesman

Rattlesnakes for Felons

Magical Squares

On Welfare Dependency

The Albany Plan for an American Union

Catherine Ray

A Parable on Intolerance

The Way to Wealth


Part 5: Lobbyist in London

Reasons for Restoring Canada to France

Mary Stevenson

David Hume

On Observing the Sabbath

When Oil Does Not Calm Troubled Waters

Race and Slavery

Propaganda Agent

A Paean to Deborah

The Grumpy Boarder

More on Welfare Dependence

Cold Air Baths

The Fable of the Lion and the Dog

Polly Gets Married

The Cravenstreet Gazette

A Showdown with Lord Hillsborough

The Seeds of a Total Disunion

How to Weigh a Decision

Ode to a Squirrel

The Cause of Colds

Parody Rules and an Edict Directed at Britain


Part 6: American Rebel

You Are My Enemy

Proposed Articles of Confederation

The Rattlesnake as America's Symbol

Part 7: Ambassador in Paris

An Appeal to France's Interests

The Sale of the Hessians

A Form Letter of Recommendation

The Twelve Commandments, to Madame Brillon

A Proposed Treaty with Madame Brillon

Bagatelle of the Ephemera

Madame Helvetius and Elysian Fields

John Paul Jones

To His Daughter on Fame, Frugality, and Grandchildren

The Morals of Chess

Bagatelle on St. Peter's Tolerance

On Wine and the Elbow

To George Washington on Reputation

John Adams

Dialogue Between the Gout and Mr. Franklin

The Science of Farts

A Fable About Misguided Loyalists

Seducing the French

To Polly on Her Mother and the Futility of War

A Critique of Excess Wealth

On Hereditary Honors and the Turkey

A Vision of America

No Longer His Enemy

Daylight Savings Time

The Prodigal William

On Wishes, Age, and Bifocals


Part 8: Constitutional Sage

The Constitutional Convention

Motion for Prayers

Franklin's Closing Speech

A Miffy Family

Webster's Dictionary

On the Abolition of Slavery

The Final Parody, on Slavery

On Jesus Christ

To Thomas Jefferson

Last Will and Codicil


Part 9: The Autobiography

The Autobiography

Additional information

CIN0743273982VG
9780743273985
0743273982
A Benjamin Franklin Reader by Walter Isaacson
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Simon & Schuster
2005-06-02
576
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - A Benjamin Franklin Reader