«Benjamin Franklin: Self-Revealed (Vol. 1&2)» by Wiliam Cabell Bruce

Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed is a biographical and critical study on Benjamin Franklin's life and work mostly based on Franklin's own writings. Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. Franklin earned the title of “The First American” for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies. As the first United States ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment.
Contents:
Franklin's Moral Standing and System
Franklin's Religious Beliefs
Franklin, the Philanthropist and Citizen
Franklin's Family Relations
Franklin's American Friends
Franklin's British Friends
Franklin's French Friends
Franklin's Personal Characteristics
Franklin as a Man of Business
Franklin as a Statesman
Franklin as a Man of Science
Franklin as a Writer