I enjoy reading Walter Isaacson's books because of his strong scholarship. He offers counterfactuals to his own interpretations. This approach provides a broad perspective on his subjects.
In my high school, a rigid curriculum required us all to study 18th-century literature (and also 19th and 20th). Like all my classmates, I preferred Franklin over Jonathan Edwards. I attended "standard" classes because I was not bright enough to be in Honors or AP. Consequently, I gained only a surface knowledge of Franklin's statesmanship, philosophy and inventions. I am young enough to be part of the leading wave of anti-Americanism that swept US education. I was therefore taught only disparaging and critical views of our 18th century "founding fathers."
Isaacson's biography explores Franklin's entire social identity. He identifies Franklin as the architect of the American middle class. This "mediocre" class defined a new social order based on merit. Franklin's success was due to his own industry rather than birthright. I enjoyed learning about his weak French and Latin. These flaws humanize the legend. I had never questioned the rumors about Franklin's lechery. Isaacson interprets these scandals as myths. This clarification offered another perspective about the "facts" I learned in school.
My education focused on anti-Enlightenment views. Isaacson counters these views. He analyzes 19th-century Romanticism that is the root of the anti-Enlightenment sentiment. These critics attacked Franklin's pragmatism and scientific method. Isaacson again balances these pejoratives with the Humanist Enlightenment ideals of the 18th century natural philosophers (scientists) of that era. Isaacson highlights Franklin's true virtues. This balance makes his character shine.
The book feels a bit tedious because of its length. This density occasionally slows the pace. However, I recommend this work to history buffs. 5/5 Stars
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