Benjamin Franklin: Inventing America

Chronicles the life story & many accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin, the fascinating & entertaining man & exemplary citizen of the U.S. Franklin arrived in Philadelphia as a teenager with little more than 3 loaves of bread under his arm. With only two years of grammar school educ., Franklin became, among other things, a printer, publisher, postmaster, philosopher, scientist, inventor, statesman, musician, & abolitionist. As a loyal patriot, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He is also known for his witty sayings in Poor Richard s Almanac ; experiments with lightning & invention of the lightning rod; organizing the first volunteer fire co.; & inventing the Franklin stove, paved streets, bifocals, & daylight savings time -- all still in use today. Illus.