Book Reviews › Character › The First American
Honest review · Character
The First American
by H.W. Brands
A full biography of Franklin: printer, scientist, diplomat, founder, with his contradictions on slavery and family. Thorough and lively.
Read it if…
you want a complete Franklin.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you want Isaacson's version, which is similar in scope.
Try instead: The Greater Journey →
Three things you will actually use
- Reinvent across a lifetime.
- Charm is diplomacy.
- Usefulness as a life aim.
Do this first
Read the chapters on Paris.
Our verdict
Franklin, by Brands.
See the book →
Compare with other Character books
Browse all Character book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.