Benjamin Franklin--Printer, Inventor, Statesman

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From Kirkus Reviews In the author's ``First Biography'' series (presenting more substantial information than his ``Picture Book'' biographies but still easily read): an excellent introduction with a goodly collection of revealing, not always familiar anecdotes enlivening a straightforward account of many of Franklin's most outstanding accomplishments, clearly set in their historical time. The portrait is positive, but Adler does mention a few circumstances (e.g., Franklin's common-law marriage and the fact that the real purpose of the fur cap he wore in France was to cover eczema) countering the traditional--but inaccurate--saintly image. Miller's large, detailed pen drawings, on every double spread, are stolidly utilitarian, though they do lighten the format and convey something of the period's flavor. Overall: attractive and informative. Index. (Biography. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Product Description Emphasizing the multifaceted genius of Benjamin Franklin, a biography of this great inventor, diplomat, statesman, and patriot identifies the character traits that made the hard-working Franklin who he was--curiosity, intelligence, practicality, and charm. From School Library Journal Grade 2-4-- This short, readable biography focuses on Franklin's most famous accomplishments and on those aspects of his character that are most admired today--his intelligence, curiosity, inventiveness, abilities as a statesman, and opinions that were ahead of his time. His early life is covered in some depth, with not only well-known anecdotes included, but also interesting accounts of his early work experiences. Some of his writings, inventions, and scientific experiments are described. Adler's writing is clear and easy to read, without being boring. Included are quotations from some of Franklin's letters and speeches. Adler mentions that Franklin never legally married either Deborah Read or the mother of his son William, but does not criticize, even though some historians have found Franklin's treatment of both William (after he became a Tory) and Deborah Read less than admirable. Miller's engravings are competently done and add to the text. Eve B. Feldman's Benjamin Franklin (Watts, 1990) contains better illustrations, including a few photographs but, because it concentrates on Franklin's work as a scientist and inventor, may be less useful for general readers or report writers. A good introduction to one of America's more colorful and interesting figures. --Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.