Benjamin Franklin's Numbers
Benjamin Franklin's Numbers

Author: Paul C. Pasles

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2007-11-04

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 9780691129563

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Few American lives have been as celebrated--or as closely scrutinized--as that of Benjamin Franklin. Yet until now Franklin's biographers have downplayed his interest in mathematics, at best portraying it as the idle musings of a brilliant and ever-restless mind. In Benjamin Franklin's Numbers, Paul Pasles reveals a side of the iconic statesman, scientist, and writer that few Americans know--his mathematical side. In fact, Franklin indulged in many areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, statistics, and economics. In this generously illustrated book, Pasles gives us the first mathematical biography of Benjamin Franklin. He draws upon previously unknown sources to illustrate Franklin's genius for numbers as never before. Magic squares and circles were a lifelong fascination of Franklin's. Here, for the first time, Pasles gathers every one of these marvelous creations together in one place. He explains the mathematics behind them and Franklin's hugely popular Poor Richard's Almanac, which featured such things as population estimates and a host of mathematical digressions. Pasles even includes optional math problems that challenge readers to match wits with the bespectacled Founding Father himself. Written for a general audience, this book assumes no technical skills beyond basic arithmetic. Benjamin Franklin's Numbers is a delightful blend of biography, history, and popular mathematics. If you think you already know Franklin's story, this entertaining and richly detailed book will make you think again.

Benjamin Franklin's Numbers
Benjamin Franklin's Numbers

Author: Paul C. Pasles

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2021-01-12

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 069122370X

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Few American lives have been as celebrated--or as closely scrutinized--as that of Benjamin Franklin. Yet until now Franklin's biographers have downplayed his interest in mathematics, at best portraying it as the idle musings of a brilliant and ever-restless mind. In Benjamin Franklin's Numbers, Paul Pasles reveals a side of the iconic statesman, scientist, and writer that few Americans know--his mathematical side. In fact, Franklin indulged in many areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, statistics, and economics. In this generously illustrated book, Pasles gives us the first mathematical biography of Benjamin Franklin. He draws upon previously unknown sources to illustrate Franklin's genius for numbers as never before. Magic squares and circles were a lifelong fascination of Franklin's. Here, for the first time, Pasles gathers every one of these marvelous creations together in one place. He explains the mathematics behind them and Franklin's hugely popular Poor Richard's Almanac, which featured such things as population estimates and a host of mathematical digressions. Pasles even includes optional math problems that challenge readers to match wits with the bespectacled Founding Father himself. Written for a general audience, this book assumes no technical skills beyond basic arithmetic. Benjamin Franklin's Numbers is a delightful blend of biography, history, and popular mathematics. If you think you already know Franklin's story, this entertaining and richly detailed book will make you think again.

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares
Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares

Author: Frank Murphy

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Published: 2013-05-29

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13: 0385374615

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A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the "magic square." A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!

Code Number 72/Ben Franklin
Code Number 72/Ben Franklin

Author: Cecil B. Currey

Publisher:

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13:

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"Was Benjamin Franklin a British spy? This is the startling but all too legitimate question investigated in this complete reappraisal of one of America's most illustrious founding fathers. Franklin has traditionally been portrayed as a dedicated servant of the United States during the turbulent years of the nation's birth. Now in Code Number 72 / Ben Franklin: Patriot or Spy?, author-historian Cecil B. Currey has brought to life an entirely different story."--Book Jacket.

Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies
Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies

Author: Robert Middlekauff

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2023-11-10

Total Pages: 283

ISBN-13: 0520921038

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In this engaging study of the much-loved statesman and polymath, Robert Middlekauff uncovers a little-known aspect of Benjamin Franklin's personality—his passionate anger. He reveals a fully human Franklin who led a remarkable life but nonetheless had his share of hostile relationships—political adversaries like the Penns, John Adams, and Arthur Lee—and great disappointments—the most significant being his son, William, who sided with the British. Utilizing an abundance of archival sources, Middlekauff weaves episodes in Franklin's emotional life into key moments in colonial and Revolutionary history. The result is a highly readable narrative that illuminates how historical passions can torment even the most rational and benevolent of men.

Who Was Ben Franklin?
Who Was Ben Franklin?

Author: Dennis Brindell Fradin

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2002-02-18

Total Pages: 113

ISBN-13: 1101640081

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Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring.

The Portable Benjamin Franklin
The Portable Benjamin Franklin

Author: Benjamin Franklin

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2006-01-03

Total Pages: 596

ISBN-13: 1440626928

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It takes a very inclusive anthology to encompass the protean personality and range of interests of Benjamin Franklin, but The Portable Benjamin Franklin succeeds as no collection has. In addition to the complete Autobiography, the volume contains about 100 of Franklin’s major writings—essays, journalism, letters, political tracts, scientific observations, proposals for the improvement of civic and personal life, literary bagatelles, and private musings. The selections are reprinted in their entirety and organized chronologically within six sections that represent the full range of Franklin’s temperament. The result is a zestful read for Franklin scholars and anyone wanting to know and enjoy this American icon. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Ben Franklin's Web Site
Ben Franklin's Web Site

Author: Robert Ellis Smith

Publisher: Privacy Journal

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 389

ISBN-13: 0930072146

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Explore the hidden niches of American history to discover the tug between our yearning for privacy and our insatiable curiosity. Book jacket.