The Age of Benjamin Franklin

We all have certain images of Ben Franklin: the witty Founding Father who promoted independence; the Philadelphia printer who created Poor Richard's Almanack; the scientist who conducted experiments with kites in electrical storms; the author of what is arguably America's best-known autobiography. These images reveal an intellectually curious and successful man of the 18th century, but they don't fully capture the full spirit of one of the most extraordinary Americans-perhaps the quintessential American.

Why is Benjamin Franklin so compelling? What made him so successful in his day? And why has he continued to influence generations of Americans? Tackle these questions and more in The Age of Benjamin Franklin, a thorough-and sometimes surprising-course that presents a full portrait of a personality that defies easy definition. Taught by Professor Robert J. Allison of Suffolk University, these 24 insightful lectures explore the many facets of Franklin's life and times.

From his humble beginnings as the son of a Boston soap maker to a world-renowned diplomat, you'll explore the many sides of this complex man: ambitious, worldly, imaginative, and forward thinking, representing the best output from the Age of Enlightenment. As one of the most notable Americans in history-a pioneer in science, politics, and diplomacy-he was truly a larger-than-life individual. The Age of Benjamin Franklin gives you a rich and entertaining portrait of his life and times.

All Lectures:
1. Benjamin Franklin and the American Dream
2. Meet the Franklins
3. Benjamin Franklin's Boston Beginnings
4. Benjamin Franklin and Philadelphia
5. Benjamin Franklin in London
6. Benjamin Franklin: Printer and Postmaster
7. Benjamin Franklin: Scientist
8. Benjamin Franklin and Electricity
9. Benjamin Franklin's Religious Beliefs
10. Benjamin Franklin: American Satirist
11. The Musical Benjamin Franklin
12. Benjamin Franklin: Ladies' Man?
13. Benjamin Franklin: A Reluctant Politician
14. Benjamin Franklin and the American Indians
15. Benjamin Franklin and Slavery in America
16. Benjamin Franklin and Colonies vs. Empire
17. Benjamin Franklin and the Crisis of 1773
18. Benjamin Franklin and Colonial Independence
19. Benjamin Franklin and the Age of Revolution
20. Benjamin Franklin: Acclaimed in France
21. Benjamin Franklin: Making Peace
22. Benjamin Franklin: Framing the Constitution
23. Benjamin Franklin's Critics and Enemies
24. Benjamin Franklin's Remarkable Legacy