A masterful account of this most amazing American. "A biography of Franklin written with a sweep and verve worthy of its subject and brilliantly illustrated." The New Yorker. This superb biography of the printer, statesman, author, reformer, inventor and ambassador reveals a Benjamin Franklin who in his time lived more lives than many men together. The brilliance and inexhaustible ingenuity of mind that fascinated his contemporaries continues to charm us now in Daugherty's work of perhaps America's most distinguished citizen and most interesting human being. Here is an understanding of the Poor Richard that underlay all Franklin's life, through honors and distinctions, foreign and domestic, saying with shrewd Yankee economy: "Well done is better than well said." As with all of Daugherty's books, his illustrations of two- and three-color compliment the meaty text for the enjoyment of all. (description by Beautiful Feet)
This lively text exemplifies both the man and the artist. Benjamin Franklin lived in turbulent times and met those times head-on with passion and gusto. James Daugherty—ever the patriot himself—has captured that essential nature of Franklin in his energetic and dramatic three-color lithographs that reveal the neophyte as he faces the fresh soil of a young nation filled with optimism and promise.
From his Quaker childhood to his early days as printer's apprentice to runaway, to stranger in the City of Brotherly Love, to the "Water American" in London, Ben's youth was filled with adventures and challenges that taught him invaluable lessons about human nature. These lessons would serve him well as he grew to be a leader of the young colonies as they faced the tyranny of Britain.
As a leader in the American Revolution he was indispensable as an ambassador to England and later France where he won the hearts of the nation by his simple Quaker wisdom and geniality. All these things were accomplished while he pursued his interests as scientist, inventor, and prolific author. In everything he did, Franklin was always compelled by how he might best serve his fellow man.
It is part of the Ambleside Online 4th grade book list.
I needed them for my homeschool
Part of homeschool curriculum
homeschool