Why people recommend it
Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biographical account of one of America's most influential and multifaceted founding fathers, detailing his life as a printer, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. On the episode titled Is the Sun Setting on America’s Financial Empire? of The Ezra Klein Show, released on May 2, 2025, guest Ken Rogoff shared his reading preferences during the conversation. When asked for recommendations, Rogoff specifically named Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin as one of his top choices. He explained to the host that he included the title because he had previously been unaware of the full scope of Franklin's life and achievements, noting that reading the book revealed numerous historical details about the famous founding father that he simply had not known before. Rogoff presented the volume as a compelling exploration of historical character and ingenuity, emphasizing how much readers can discover about early American history by examining Franklin's diverse pursuits and public service career through Isaacson's detailed biographical lens.
Who recommended it
- Ken Rogoff Recommended
Ken Rogoff — 1 mention
“And another book would be uh Walter Isacson's Ben Franklin. I just I I just hadn't known everything about him.”