Benjamin Franklin   By: John Torrey Morse (1840-1937)

Benjamin Franklin by John Torrey Morse is an outstanding literary tribute to one of America's most influential figures in history. This comprehensive biography delves into the extraordinary life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin, providing readers with a deep understanding of his remarkable contributions to science, politics, and society.

Morse's writing style is both engaging and informative, effortlessly transporting readers back to the 18th century. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, the author brings Franklin's story to life, unveiling the layers of complexity and brilliance that characterized this remarkable man. From his humble beginnings as a printer's apprentice to his pivotal role in the American Revolution and his status as a renowned scientist and inventor, Franklin's journey is captivatingly portrayed.

Moreover, Morse does an excellent job of capturing Franklin's multifaceted personality – from his wit and charm to his relentless curiosity and drive for self-improvement. The book not only explores his numerous inventions and experiments but also delves into his political career, highlighting his crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and negotiating the peace treaty that ended the American Revolution.

What sets this biography apart is Morse's ability to present Franklin's story in a balanced and impartial manner. While admiring Franklin's accomplishments, he also presents his flaws and contradictions, such as his ambiguous stance on slavery. By portraying Franklin as a complex and flawed individual, the author humanizes him, making him more relatable and allowing readers to form their own judgments.

Another commendable aspect of this book is Morse's incorporation of primary sources and personal letters, which adds authenticity to the narrative. By including Franklin's own words, readers gain valuable insights into his thoughts, values, and motivations. This inclusion of primary sources enhances the book's credibility and enriches the reader's experience, making it feel more personal and intimate.

One minor drawback of this biography is its sheer length. Clocking in at over 600 pages, some readers may find it a bit overwhelming. However, for those willing to commit the time and delve deep into Franklin's life, this comprehensive exploration is worth every page.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin by John Torrey Morse is a masterpiece of biography. Through his meticulous research, engaging writing style, and inclusion of primary sources, Morse paints a vivid portrait of one of America's most iconic founding fathers. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, as it not only sheds light on Franklin's remarkable accomplishments but also offers valuable insights into the tumultuous times in which he lived.

First Page:

The editor has often been asked: "Upon what principle have you constructed this series of lives of American statesmen?" The query has always been civil in form, while in substance it has often implied that the "principle," as to which inquiry is made, has been undiscoverable by the interrogator. Other queries, like pendants, have also come: Why have you not included A, or B, or C? The inference from these is that the querist conceives A, or B, or C to be statesmen certainly not less eminent than E, or F, or G, whose names he sees upon the list. Now there really has been a principle of selection; but it has not been a mathematical principle, whereby the several statesmen of the country have been brought to the measuring pole, like horses, and those of a certain height have been accepted, and those not seeming to reach that height have been rejected. The principle has been to make such a list of men in public life that the aggregation of all their biographies would give, in this personal shape, the history and the picture of the growth and development of the United States from the beginning of that agitation which led to the Revolution until the completion of that solidarity which we believe has resulted from the civil war and the subsequent reconstruction... Continue reading book >>