Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies

By Robert Middlekauff

Book Overview

In this engaging study of the much-loved statesman and polymath, Robert Middlekauff uncovers a little-known aspect of Benjamin Franklin's personality--his passionate anger. He reveals a fully human Franklin who led a remarkable life but nonetheless had his share of hostile relationships--political adversaries like the Penns, John Adams, and Arthur Lee--and great disappointments--the most significant being his son, William, who sided with the British. Utilizing an abundance of archival sources, Middlekauff weaves episodes in Franklin's emotional life into key moments in colonial and Revolutionary history. The result is a highly readable narrative that illuminates how historical passions can torment even the most rational and benevolent of men.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520213785
• ISBN13: 9780520213784
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Read Van Dorn's First

Well worth reading, especially if you previously read Van Dorn's biography. Otherwise you may miss much of what is missing in Middlekauff's book. Great for any Ben Franklin fan!/

Extraordinary!

This is an extraordinary literary work of history and biography. Middlekauff stikes the right balance here between erudition and urbanity. Seeing Benjamin Franklin through the eyes of his enemies reveals not just the complicated character of the man but also the complicated moment in history that he occupied. I highly recommend this book!