Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World

Page Smith's biography follows Benjamin Franklin's journey from his modest beginnings in Boston through his roles as printer, inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father. The narrative tracks Franklin's evolution from apprentice to influential statesman across multiple decades of American history. Franklin's scientific pursuits and experiments run parallel to his political career throughout the text, revealing the connections between his intellectual curiosity and public service. His time in Philadelphia, London, and Paris receives particular focus, with emphasis on how these experiences shaped his worldview. Smith explores Franklin's relationships - both personal and professional - including his common-law marriage to Deborah Read and his complex dynamics with fellow revolutionaries. The biography maintains a steady focus on Franklin's written works, from Poor Richard's Almanack to his autobiography. The book presents Franklin as a quintessential figure of the Enlightenment era, embodying the period's ideals of reason, progress, and civic virtue. Through Franklin's story, Smith examines broader themes about the role of science, diplomacy, and self-improvement in shaping both individual destiny and national identity.

Readers appreciated Smith's research depth and his portrayal of Franklin's practical nature and diplomatic work. Several readers noted the book succeeds in showing Franklin's development from printer to statesman. Readers particularly liked: - Focus on Franklin's scientific interests and inventions - Coverage of his time in France during the Revolution - Details about his family relationships Common criticisms: - Length (766 pages) deters some readers - Too much focus on politics vs. personal life - Writing style can be dry in sections about political negotiations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (16 ratings) "Smith captures Franklin's curiosity and ingenuity without mythologizing him," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer noted: "Comprehensive but could have condensed the diplomatic sections." Multiple readers mentioned the book works better as a reference than a cover-to-cover read due to its encyclopedic level of detail.

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H. W. Brands This biography connects Franklin's scientific pursuits, diplomatic work, and personal relationships to paint a picture of 18th-century American life through his experiences.

John Adams by David McCullough The narrative follows Adams from his Massachusetts roots through his pivotal role in American independence, offering context for Franklin's era through the perspective of his contemporary and occasional rival.

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow This biography explores Washington's transformation from surveyor to commander to president, providing insight into the founding period Franklin helped shape.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The book traces Hamilton's rise from Caribbean orphan to Washington's aide to Treasury Secretary, illuminating the financial and political systems Franklin helped establish.

American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson by Joseph J. Ellis This examination of Jefferson's complex personality and philosophical outlook provides perspective on the intellectual environment Franklin inhabited and influenced.

🔷 Page Smith served as a combat historian in World War II and went on to become the first provost of Cowell College at UC Santa Cruz. 🔷 Benjamin Franklin was the first person to chart the Gulf Stream, revolutionizing transatlantic shipping routes and travel times. 🔷 The book reveals that Franklin conducted dangerous electrical experiments not just with kites, but also by attempting to electrocute turkeys for both scientific and culinary purposes. 🔷 Author Page Smith wrote over 20 historical works, including an ambitious eight-volume "People's History of the United States." 🔷 Franklin's autobiography, which is extensively referenced in the book, was originally written in French while he served as America's ambassador to France, as he had become immensely popular with the French public.