Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

As the author, Isaacson shapes the reader’s understanding of Franklin’s personality and accomplishments. He draws upon Franklin’s extensive publications and personal correspondence, the writings of his contemporaries, as well as secondary sources to depict the full character of Franklin. In all cases, Isaacson provides comprehensive footnotes to cite his sources. Isaacson acknowledges that he is an admirer of his subject, arguing that Franklin was the most influential person in the creation of American society. In emphasizing Franklin’s middle-class persona, Isaacson dwells less on the elite status and perspective that Franklin attained later in life. However, he is careful to mention it.

Beginning his career in journalism and finishing it as a professor of history at Tulane University, Isaacson is well qualified to write this book. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and received a degree from Harvard University. Isaacson has written several other biographies, including ones about Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Henry Kissinger. The National Endowment for Humanities selected him for the Jefferson Lecture, the highest honor in the humanities bestowed by the US government, in 2014. His biography of Franklin became a New York Times bestseller.