Synopses & Reviews
Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World examines the many facets of Americaand#8217;s most extraordinary founding father. Politician, diplomat, scientist, printer, and civic improver, Franklin influenced every aspect of American life, from his own time to the present. This book, designed to accompany the traveling Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary exhibition celebrating Franklinand#8217;s 300th birthday, includes essays by ten prominent scholars that offer an overview of Franklinand#8217;s life andand#160; cover the full range of his interests and achievements, illustrated by more than 265 color imagesand#151;portraits, manuscripts, drawings, maps, paintings, engravings, and a plethora of Franklin's possessions, from teacups to printing equipment. This comprehensive guide, combining new scholarship with unique imagesand#151;many of which have never been exhibited beforeand#151;will be a must-have for anyone interested in Franklin.
Review
and#8220;A wonderful collection of informative essays and fascinating images, a worthy literary companion to the exhibit in her charge."
Review
and#8220;[Benjamin Franklin] is the founding father who winks at us. . . . We can easily imagine having a beer with him after work, showing him how to use a Palm Pilot, sharing the business plan for a new venture, or discussing Bill Clintonand#8217;s foibles and George Bushand#8217;s foreign policy. . . . Each new look at him reflects and refracts the nationand#8217;s changing values.and#8221;and#8212;Walter Isaacson, from the Introduction
Synopsis
The first extensively illustrated book documenting Franklin's life and work--a must-have for any Franklin enthusiast.
Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World examines the many facets of America's most extraordinary founding father. Politician, diplomat, scientist, printer, and civic improver, Franklin influenced every aspect of American life, from his own time to the present. This book, designed to accompany the traveling Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary exhibition celebrating Franklin's 300th birthday, includes essays by ten prominent scholars that offer an overview of Franklin's life and cover the full range of his interests and achievements, illustrated by more than 265 color images--portraits, manuscripts, drawings, maps, paintings, engravings, and a plethora of Franklin's possessions, from teacups to printing equipment. This comprehensive guide, combining new scholarship with unique images--many of which have never been exhibited before--will be a must-have for anyone interested in Franklin.
Synopsis
The first extensively illustrated book documenting Franklinand#8217;s life and workand#151;a must-have for any Franklin enthusiast.
About the Author
Page Talbott is associate director of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary and chief curator of the exhibition Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, which will travel throughout the United States and to France from 2005 to 2008.and#160;Contributors: Ellen R. Cohn, James N.Green, Walter Isaacson, E. Philip Krider, Emma J. Lapsansky-Werner, J. A. Leo Lemay, Robert Middlekauff, Edmund S. Morgan, Billy G. Smith, Page Talbott