The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Volume 2: Printer and Publisher, 173-1747

The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Volume 2: Printer and Publisher, 173-1747 by Lemay, J. A. Leo. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780812238556.

Named "one of the best books of 2006" by The New York Sun Described by Carl Van Doren as "a harmonious human multitude," Benjamin Franklin was the most famous American of his time, of perhaps any time. His life and careers were so varied and successful that he remains, even today, the epitome of the self-made man. Born into a humble tradesmans family, this adaptable genius rose to become an architect of the worlds first democracy, a leading light in Enlightenment science, and a major creator of what has come to be known as the American character. Journalist, musician, politician, scientist, humorist, inventor, civic leader, printer, writer, publisher, businessman, founding father, philosopher, Franklin is a touchstone for Americas egalitarianism. Volume 2 takes Franklin from his marriage in 1730 to his retirement as a printer at the beginning of 1748, examining the mysteries of the illegitimate William Franklins birth and mother and Franklins increasing civic activities—starting the Library Company in Philadelphia in 1731, forming Pennsylvanias first volunteer fire company, and becoming an advocate for a clean Philadelphia environment. J. A. Leo Lemay assesses Franklins numerous writings, attributing to him for the first time a deistic Indian speech, remarking on his use of the second African American persona in journalism, and analyzing his publishing sensation of 1747, The Speech of Miss Polly Baker. These belletristic works are complemented by Franklins religious, political, and scientific writings, which he produced prodigiously.