Benjamin
Franklin by Carl Van Doren (Garden City
Publishing Co., NY 1938)
Van Doren's biography is the BEST and final authority on
the life of Benjamin Franklin. Written by the esteemed
Columbia Professor in 1938, the 845 pages of the book
provide an extensive and thoroughly comprehensive
analysis. Although the reading is rather complex and the
text is lengthy, one thing is for sure. Reading Carl Van
Doren's Benjamin Franklin will allow you to not only know
the accomplishments and traits of the venerable Franklin,
but to understand their purpose as well.
Reader Level: Advanced Rating: 4
Franklins 
The Man Who
Dared the Lightning-A New Look at Benjamin Franklin by
Thomas Fleming (William Morrow and Co., NY
1971)
Fleming's biography offers a refreshingly different
perspective on the life of Benjamin Franklin. Rather than
being chronologically ordered Franklin's life is
portrayed dramatically an in an entertaining matter.
Included are some beautiful photographs and portraits
from Benjamin's family and life experiences. The reading
level is intermediate and very detailed but it comes
nowhere near Van Doren's work.
Reading Level: Intermediate Rating: 3.5
Franklins
The
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Vintage
Books, NY 1987)
Indeed, nothing serves as a better learning tool than
primary source material. As one reads about the life of
Franklin in his own words, one begins to realize how his
experiences have shaped his personality. Originally, the
biography was intended as a legacy to Franklin's family.
Consequently, the reading is sometimes dry and
irrelevant. However, the language is masterful and
extremely dynamic.
Reading Level: Advanced Rating: 3
Franklins
Ben Franklin
Laughing by P.M. Zall (University of
California Press, Los Angeles CA, 1980)
This wondeful work presents the lighter side of Benjamin
Franklin through original source material. Thousands of
anecdotes and tales are compiled in this volume to
celebrate Franklin's wit and humor.
Reading Level: Intermediate Rating: 3
Franklins
