Isaacson does not whitewash. Franklin was a slave owner for much of his life, though he later became president of Pennsylvania’s abolition society. He was neglectful of his common-law wife, Deborah, leaving her alone for 15 years while he lived in London. His illegitimate son, William, never forgave him for siding with the rebels; they were estranged at Franklin’s death. And his famous “autobiography,” Isaacson argues, is not confession but performance—a calculated guide to self-improvement, not a truthful memoir.
The book begins with Franklin's early life, describing his apprenticeship as a printer and his early struggles as a young entrepreneur. Isaacson then follows Franklin's journey as he becomes a successful businessman, scientist, and politician. The biography covers Franklin's most notable achievements, including his experiments with electricity, his role in the American Enlightenment, and his diplomatic efforts during the American Revolution. Isaacson does not whitewash
: You can borrow the digital version for free through the OverDrive/Libby app or Open Library using a valid library card. His illegitimate son, William, never forgave him for
: The book is available for digital reading on platforms like Perlego and Scribd . Book Content Overview Isaacson then follows Franklin's journey as he becomes
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