Portland Public Library

Stealing God's thunder, Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod and the invention of America, Philip Dray

Type
Label
Stealing God's thunder, Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod and the invention of America, Philip Dray
Language
eng
Bibliography note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [229]-239) and index
resource.biographical
individual biography
Illustrations
illustrations
Index
index present
Literary Form
non fiction
Main title
Stealing God's thunder
Nature of contents
bibliography
Oclc number
56420374
Responsibility statement
Philip Dray
Sub title
Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod and the invention of America
Summary
A biography of Benjamin Franklin viewed through the lens of his scientific inquiry and its ramifications for American democracy. Today we think of Franklin as a founder of American independence who also dabbled in science. But in Franklin's day it was otherwise--long before he was an eminent statesman, he was famous for his revolutionary scientific work, especially his experiments with lightning and electricity. Pulitzer Prize finalist Dray uses the evolution of Franklin's scientific curiosity and empirical thinking as a metaphor for America's struggle to establish its fundamental values. Set against the backdrop of the Enlightenment and America's pursuit of political equality for all, the book recounts how Franklin unlocked one of the greatest natural mysteries of his day.--From publisher description
Table Of Contents
"Cotton Mather, dam you, with a pox to you!" -- Made at Philadelphia -- A subject of serene contemplation -- The mighty hand of God -- Electric ambassador -- The science of freedom
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