Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History: October 26, 1776

Posted on October 26, 2007 by sheila

On October 26, 1776, Benjamin Franklin set off on a diplomatic mission across the Atlantic – to get the French governments financial backing for the Revolution. As is well-known, he was a huge HIT with the French (that’s him in … Continue reading →

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It’s Ben Franklin’s Birthday!

Posted on January 17, 2007 by sheila

I have only a few years to live and I am resolved to devote them to the work that my fellow citizens deem proper for me; or speaking as old-clothes dealers do of a remnant of goods, ‘You shall have … Continue reading →

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The Books: “The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin” (H.W. Brands)

Posted on May 9, 2006 by sheila

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands. As you can probably tell I have arranged my American History biographies (we’re in that section … Continue reading →

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The Books: “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” (Benjamin Franklin)

Posted on May 8, 2006 by sheila

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin A must-read. I struggled with which excerpt to choose. I love the part when he decides to be a vegetarian (which … Continue reading →

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The Books: “John Adams” (David McCullough)

Posted on May 5, 2006 by sheila

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is John Adams by David McCullough You know, I read a lot of biographies and most of them are kinda crappy. I read them for the TOPIC mainly. I have … Continue reading →

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Book Thoughts

Posted on March 17, 2006 by sheila

Okay, so I haven’t finished a book in … 4 weeks?? 5 weeks?? The last book I finished was, I think, At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O’Brien. After that, I started a couple of different books (I have different needs … … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, George Washington!

Posted on February 22, 2006 by sheila

Some quotes: — PATRICK HENRY, on his return home from the first Continental Congress in 1774 was asked whom he thought was the foremost man in the group: “Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on that floor.” — GEORGE … Continue reading →

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Presidents: “He means well”

Posted on February 20, 2006 by sheila

Benjamin Franklin wrote these famous words about John Adams in 1783: He means well for his country, is always an honest man, often a wise man, but sometimes and in some things, absolutely out of his senses.

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Presidents: “sacred and undeniable” became “self-evident”

Posted on February 20, 2006 by sheila

From Paul Johnson’s superb book A History of the American People: Jefferson produced a superb draft, for which his 1774 pamphlet was a useful preparation. All kinds of philosophical and political influences went into it. They were all well-read men … Continue reading →

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More on Ben Franklin

Posted on January 19, 2006 by sheila

Alex has an AWESOME POST up on this extraordinary gentleman. She covers it all.

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