The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H. W. Brands is a meticulously researched and engaging biography that presents Benjamin Franklin as the quintessential American—a man whose ingenuity, wit, and diplomatic brilliance helped shape the foundation of the United States. Published by Easton Press, this edition is a beautifully bound collector’s volume, often featuring a leather cover, gilt-edged pages, and satin ribbon markers, making it a prized addition for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts.
Brands’ narrative captures Franklin’s multifaceted life—from his humble beginnings as a printer’s apprentice to his rise as a scientist, inventor, statesman, and Founding Father. The book delves into his key contributions, including his experiments with electricity, his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic missions in France, and his enduring influence on American identity. With vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, The First American portrays Franklin not just as a historical figure but as a living, breathing man of contradictions: ambitious yet pragmatic, revolutionary yet conciliatory, and always fiercely independent.
This Easton Press edition elevates the reading experience, presenting Brands’ acclaimed biography in a luxurious format befitting Franklin’s legacy. Ideal for collectors, it serves as both a scholarly resource and a timeless tribute to one of America’s most extraordinary minds.
