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The Honest Conn Man

A rewrite of the Brands biography

Reviewed in the United States on 14 August 2003

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The H.W. Brands biography, "The First American: The Live and Times of Benjamin Franklin" came first, covers all that this biography covers, and -- most important of all -- is far better written. It commences in epic fashion with Franklin being in the "cockpit" to be harangued and humiliated by an English version of a McCarthy hearing. The incident we were told helped lead up to Franklin's abandoment of his long-held belief that the colonies should NOT separate. Then, our appetites whetted (i.e., Why this attack? What was its nature?), the biography begins.
If Brands is the superior writer and was first, why then all the excitement about the Isaacson biography? Well, Isaacson has Time Warner behind him and he did do a good job of recasting the H.W. Brands biography in his own words. And Franklin's astounding list of accomplishments certainly makes for interesting reading even in the hands of a lesser-skilled writer. The content itself makes up for the Cliff Notes approach to writing.
I first read the H.W. Brands biography. Then, I ordered this one for some new insights or quotes or examples. The fact is that Brands said it all and said it all better. Isaacson may have a greater appeal to those who like a bulleted list approach and frequent summaries to help them through a thick book. But, those who enjoy good prose, a biographer with a good if non-intrusive sense of humor, and seeing the victory of merit over a publicity machine, are best advised to get their hands on Brands's even more enjoyable biography.
I take Isaacson at his word that he has read a host of books other than the Brands book that is conspicuously absent from his bibliography. But, all he needed to read for his preparation the Brands biography of Franklin. (The sole examples that I can find of some original material are some quotes he made from Van Doren's biography of Franklin. Those, at least, didn't appear in the Brands book. So, I stand corrected by this exception. There is a little value added by the Isaacson version -- very little, but something.)
Good news: Franklin's inventiveness, dirty trick campaigns, wisdom, leadership, and flirtations are sure hits no matter which biography you pick up. But, if you want to see a truly five-star performance, do check out the Brands biography. The difference between the two is the difference between a work of literature and the Cliff notes, between the art of the biographer and the sterility of the summarizer.

56 people found this helpful

J. Caulfield

Good Book a little dry

Reviewed in the United States on 31 January 2009

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This was an well done book that could have been Great. I read it shortly after watching the John Adams series to get a better understanding of Franklin. Incredibly well researched and informative, but very data/fact driven and not very engaging for anyone looking for a "good read" alongside the history. It's too bad really, because Franklin clearly led a very interesting life, and was quite an individualist.

In this book, the author could have gone in many directions. Much of Franklins life is an adventure in one way or another. Had he chosen, he could use it as a modern business type book, since many of Franklins concepts are still useful in the current world (building a network, looking for opportunities, not taking risk on alone, these are all themes from current self fulfillment books such as the Rich Dad series.)

He could have also gone into more detail about the life and times. Instead he kind of rushed through a novel length resume of Franklin.

The man is very interesting, and if you don't mind the dry flavor this is an excellent source of information on Franklin.

2 people found this helpful

Josh C

Steve Jobs > Ben Franklin

Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2015

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I really enjoyed his work on Steve jobs but this one didn't really do it for me. Really slow in the beginning which turned me off from the get go.

ROB THE RETIRED

Three Stars

Reviewed in the United States on 29 July 2015

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NOT AS GOOD AS OTHERS . A LOT LEFT OUT

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