Ingenious

Reviews:

"[A] sparkling biography… The Founding Father in Richard Munson’s “Ingenious” isn’t simply a skilled diplomat, leader, and writer. Here, the 18th-century figurehead is a veritable poster child for irrepressible curiosity and joyful problem-solving."
—Christian Science Monitor

"[S]plendid…Munson’s absorbing narrative biography guides us expertly through Franklin’s extraor­dinary life. Page after page, Ingenious shows how one person with little formal education made an impact that still has relevance today. For readers of history, biography and science (or simply those in search of an outstanding book about Franklin that is not too long), Ingenious is an excellent choice."
—Roger Bishop, BookPage

"[A]n electrifying portrait of the founding father’s scientific pursuits…Munson proves there’s reason yet to revisit the much-studied statesman."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An engaging, fully dimensional portrait of Franklin, his empirical mindset serving as an example for our fact-challenged era."
—Kirkus Reviews

Description:

The dramatic story of an ingenious man who explained nature and created a country.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the preeminent scientists of his time. Driven by curiosity, he conducted cutting-edge research on electricity, heat, ocean currents, weather patterns, chemical bonds, and plants. But today, Franklin is remembered more for his political prowess and diplomatic achievements than his scientific creativity.

In this incisive and rich account of Benjamin Franklin’s life and career, Richard Munson recovers this vital part of Franklin’s story, reveals his modern relevance, and offers a compelling portrait of a shrewd experimenter, clever innovator, and visionary physicist whose fame opened doors to negotiate French support and funding for American independence.

Munson’s riveting narrative explores how science underpins Franklin’s entire story—from tradesman to inventor to nation-founder—and argues that Franklin’s political life cannot be understood without giving proper credit to his scientific accomplishments.