Cambridge Companion to Benjamin Franklin

Comprehensive and accessible, this Companion addresses severalwell-known themes in the study of Franklin and his writings, whilealso showing Franklin in conversation with his British and Europeancounterparts in science, philosophy, and social theory. Speciallycommissioned chapters, written by scholars well-known in theirrespective fields, examine Franklin's writings and his life with anew sophistication, placing Franklin in his cultural milieu whilerevealing the complexities of his intellectual, literary, social,and political views. Individual chapters take up severaltraditional topics, such as Franklin and the American dream,Franklin and capitalism, and Franklin's views of American nationalcharacter. Other chapters delve into Franklin's library and hisphilosophical views on morality, religion, science, and theEnlightenment and explore his continuing influence in Americanculture. This Companion will be essential reading for students andscholars of American literature, history and culture.