Benjamin Franklin was first and foremost a public servant, but he was also a prolific writer, humorist, musician, inventor, businessman, and scientist. He was always working to improve civic society. Among many other things, he organized the first volunteer fire department and established the first lending library in America. In the 18th century, he was celebrated as a scientist, inventor, and innovator who somehow emerged from the obscurity of his modest birth to prominence, which he achieved despite a lack of formal education. You've hear the story of Benjamin Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm storm to prove lighting was a form of electricity - the story is true and it turned out his discovery propelled him to the level of an international scientist. He was a simple American, but his scientific discoveries in regards to electricity surpassed the achievements of more prominent and established European scientists of his time. His work as a diplomat to France during the American Revolutionary War was key to the colonists breaking free from British control. He helped write the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constriction. It has been said that he was the only American President that wasn't accurately a President. How could one man accomplish so much in just one lifetime? Buy the book "Benjamin Franklin - A Short Biography" and find out 30 Minute Book Series Welcome to the first book in the 30 Minute Book Series. Each book in the series is fast paced, well written, accurate, and covers the story in as much detail as a short book allows. In less than an hour, you can read or listen to the book; it is a perfect companion for a lunch hour or a nice distraction for a train ride home from work. About the Author Doug West is a retired engineer, small business owner, and an experienced non-fiction writer with several books to his credit. His writing interests are general, with special expertise in science, biographies, numismatics, and "How To" topics. Doug has a Ph.D. in General Engineering from Oklahoma State University.