The Age of Benjamin Franklin

By: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Robert J. Allison PhD Harvard University

We all have certain images of Ben Franklin: the witty Founding Father who promoted independence; the Philadelphia printer who created Poor Richard's Almanack; the scientist who conducted experiments with kites in electrical storms; the author of what is arguably America's best-known autobiography. These images reveal an intellectually curious and successful man of the 18th century, but they don't fully capture the full spirit of one of the most extraordinary Americans - perhaps the quintessential American.

Why is Benjamin Franklin so compelling? What made him so successful in his day? And why has he continued to influence generations of Americans? Tackle these questions and more in The Age of Benjamin Franklin, a thorough - and sometimes surprising - course that presents a full portrait of a personality that defies easy definition. Taught by Professor Robert J. Allison of Suffolk University, these 24 insightful lectures explore the many facets of Franklin's life and times. From his humble beginnings as the son of a Boston soap maker to a world-renowned diplomat, you'll explore the many sides of this complex man, who somehow found time to:

• Build a national printing business
• Open America's first library
• Pioneer the development of the post office
• Publish a number of satires
• Invent the Franklin stove
• Help create and codify the science of electricity
• Write a string quartet
• Write one of the first texts about chess published in the US
• Take up swimming
• Write his memoirs

Amid all that, Franklin traveled the world, helped draft the Declaration of Independence, negotiated for support during the war and peace after, served in Congress, and helped establish American government. He was a busy, busy man: ambitious, worldly, imaginative, and forward thinking, representing the best output from the Age of Enlightenment.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 The Teaching Company, LLC; 2018 The Great Courses (P)2018 The Great Courses

An Excellent Lecture

Appreciated the lecture format and content. Provided helpful context for understanding Benjamin Franklin within American and European history. Some chapters (i.e. musical Benjamin, and Ladies Man) were less interesting IMO, but overall the bulk of this audio book proved a worthwhile listen.

Really great presentation of the complexities of Benjamin Franklin

These course is broken into about thirty minute sections and really brings to life a very complex interesting American hero. It is well done in that Professor Allison dives into they many layers that made Franklin and never puts rose colored glasses on some of the more controversial parts of his life, like being an owner of enslaved people. Allison also touches on his involved relationship with his son William.

One of the best on Ben Franklin - Must Read!

I loved the way Professor Robert J. Allison arranged the content of this course! Too often historical lectures follow a 'time line' perspective which can be dry. Prof. Allison chose to approach this amazing man's life in a very different way that sequentially built upon his widely varied areas of genius. This is a course to go back to again and again and enjoy!

Great book, well delivered

I loved the way this book was delivered. Not only was it interesting, but it was really an enjoyable listen! Lived it.

well narrated

i thought the narrator brought it really well, and to me the narrator makes or breaks the story in audiobooks.