Becoming Ben Franklin : how a candle-maker's son helped light the flame of liberty

In 1723 Ben Franklin arrived in Philadelphia as a poor and friendless seventeen-year-old who had run away from his family and an apprenticeship in Boston. Sixty-two years later he stepped ashore in nearly the same spot but was greeted by cannons, bells, and a cheering crowd, now a distinguished statesman, renowned author, and world-famous scientist. Freedman's riveting story of how a rebellious apprentice became an American icon comes in an elegantly designed book filled with art and includes a timeline, source notes, bibliography, and index

The runaway apprentice -- Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia, printer -- Snatching lightning from the sky -- Borrowing an idea from the Iroquois -- Dr. Fatsides in the mother country -- Becoming a rebel -- Declaring independence -- An American in Paris -- A useful life.