Benjamin Franklin (Magill’s Literary Annual 1991-2005)
At a glance:
- Author: Edmund S. Morgan
- First Published: 2002
- Type of Work: Biography
- Time of Work: 1706-1790
- Setting: Philadelphia and London
- Principal Characters: Benjamin Franklin, Deborah Read Franklin, William Franklin, John Adams, Peter Collinson, Isaac Norris, Charles Gravier, comte Vergennes
- Genres: Nonfiction, Biography
- Subjects: Colonialism, France or French people, Authors or writers, Slavery or slaves, Education or educators, Paris, Pennsylvania, Libraries or librarians, England or English people, American Revolution, Eighteenth century, Politicians, Philadelphia, London, Publishing or publishers, Boston, Patriotism, Inventions or inventors, Hospitals, Great Britain, Diplomacy or diplomats, Statesmen, Massachusetts, Constitutions, Republics
- Locales: Philadelphia, PA, London, England
If Edmund S. Morgan’s volume had a subtitle, it would be “An Appreciation.” The phrase fits for two reasons. The first is that Morgan admires Franklin, though he does so as Ben Jonson did William Shakespeare, this side of idolatry. The other is that Morgan does not attempt a full biography of his subject. This book offers a sketch rather than a detailed portrait. However, Morgan’s research background is more voluminous than any other Franklin biographer can claim; as chair of the administrative board overseeing the publication of Franklin’s papers (thirty-six volumes of which...
[The entire page is 1706 words long]
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