Starting with little but his native talent, Ben Franklin rose from insolvency to success in such a short span, few of us realize his progress was more a struggle in his time than for us today. With sheer determination did he conquer his debasement, and an obsessive fear of failure, to retire one of the wealthiest businessmen in Philadelphia, extending to a distinguished career as a scientist, statesman and diplomat... Informative and entertaining, this well researched and written work also includes his inventions, civic accomplishments, along with his personal life and thoughts... Illustrated with period drawings, artwork and paintings... Easy indexing.