This is a collection of historical vignettes about Franklin. Each fascinating section addresses a particular activity of Franklin's such as his invention of the Franklin stove, his 'discovery' that lightning is electricity, and his experiences with mesmerism.

"This fascinating account provides a vivid picture of an extraordinary man adapting to changing times. Franklin was an intensely loyal British subject who looked forward to the time when he would take an active role in Britain's imperial schemes. In the 19th century, Franklin was rediscovered as the homespun philosopher..." – School Library Journal

"Franklin's father took him out of school at age 11, but the boy assiduously sacrificed sleep (while working as an apprentice printer) to read and learn...In essence, as [the author] vividly demonstrates, Franklin defined the Renaissance man." – Publishers Weekly

"While Franklin remains…elusive and hard to know because 'it is so hard to distinguish his natural impulses from his principles,' the author probably comes as close to understanding him as anyone can. Rather than focusing on Franklin's role as classic, representative American, [he] instead gives us a portrait of his public life." – Publishers Weekly

"Following closely on the heels of [Benjamin Franklin]…this longer biography…lingers over such matters as the nature of Franklin's complex family circumstances and his relations with others, and it pays closer attention to each of his extraordinary achievements." – Publishers Weekly

Early Philadelphia had its share of drinking establishments-there were one hundred and fifty synonyms for inebriation in colonial Philadelphia. This book is about the role of taverns in creating a public space that enabled men with beliefs to come to common understandings about the world that they shared.

This publication by Philadelphia's American Philosophical Society-contains a collection of historical sketches about sites in Philadelphia. Essays are devoted to subjects such as the oldest bank building in the United States, taverns of colonial Philadelphia, colonial fire insturance companies and Franklin's home.

Much of Franklin's Philadelphia still exists and is easy to visit. This guide to places and walking tours in Philadelphia leads you through the same streets and buildings that Franklin himself once walked.