Benjamin Franklin

As a Founding Father of the United States, foreign diplomat, businessman, writer, and scientist, Benjamin Franklin was the proverbial jack of all trades. However, this excellent video, one in a 12-volume series entitled Inventors of the World, focuses on his ultimate utilitarian profession: inventor. Combining historical re-enactments, animated commentary, photographs, and a well-acted portrayal of Franklin, Benjamin Franklin presents young viewers with the story of a life that unfolded as an ongoing adventure of problem-solving paired with a zeal for community service. Although he was a 10-year-old school dropout (he had to help with the family business), Franklin's self-education never stopped--whether learning to be a printer or discovering essential facts about electricity, his curiosity was insatiable. Eventually, he would create or shape objects and institutions that we still use and cherish today, including public libraries, bifocals, wood-burning stoves, and Daylight Savings Time, just to name a few. Although his name is associated with the stove, he never actually patented anything he created, preferring to "live usefully than die rich.” Coupled with a solid teacher's guide, this affordable, inspirational program does an excellent job of bringing this remarkable historical figure to life. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice Other titles in the series include: A History of Invention, Alexander Graham Bell, George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Louis Pasteur and The Wright Brothers. Aud: I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)