An absorbing and enlightening chronicle of the nearly two decades the American statesman; scientist; author; inventor; and Founding Father spent in the British imperial capital of colonial America For more than one-fifth of his life; Benjamin Franklin lived in London. He dined with prime ministers; members of parliament; even kings; as well as with Britain’s most esteemed intellectuals—including David Hume; Joseph Priestley; and Erasmus Darwin—and with more notorious individuals; such as Francis Dashwood and James Boswell. Having spent eighteen formative months in England as a young man; Franklin returned in 1757 as a colonial representative during the Seven Years’ War; and left abruptly just prior to the outbreak of America’s War of Independence; barely escaping his impending arrest. In this fascinating history; George Goodwin gives a colorful account of Franklin’s British years. The author offers a rich and revealing portrait of one of the most remarkable figures in U.S. history; effectively disputing the commonly held perception of Franklin as an outsider in British politics. It is an enthralling study of an American patriot who was a fiercely loyal British citizen for most of his life—until forces he had sought and failed to control finally made him a reluctant revolutionary at the age of sixty-nine.
#566077 in Books Holloway Richard 2016-09-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.00 x 5.60l; .0 #File Name: 0300208839256 pagesA Little History of Religion
Review
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Illuminating and beautifully written!By T GhallabOne of those books that are illuminating and beautifully written. I was looking for introduction to the history of religion that maps the scene and to give an all over view; it delivers that in an intriguing way ! The structure is not exactly linear nor by a separate treatment of each religion; but like the author put it is more of a "zigzag "one. This structure succeeded in integrating a complex subject into one coherent and encompassing overview. The audio format is well narrated and has a soothing effect.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A millennia of religion under 300 pagesBy FernandoA brief and objective look at religion and its developments over millennia. Richard not only describes the different religions accross the globe; he develops a timeline that maps events and occurrences that brings them all together. Demonstrates how religion adapted and evolved and in my opinion read similarly to Jared Diamond's Guns; Germs; and Steel and that is a good thing.It lacked a little in my opinion since it seemed like it was confined to Abrahamic religions.Five stars because it is one of those books that taught about a subject while keeping my full attention.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Loved itBy Jason D. SandsThis was an enjoyable read. I'm not a religious person; but as the author suggests; one must understand religion to understand the world. This book changed the way I think about a few things; and I always find that to be the mark of a great book.
