Benjamin Franklin in London: The British Life of America’s Founding Father
This fascinating book follows Benjamin Franklin’s life in Georgian Britain from 1757-1775, with a brief intermission back in Philadelphia. He came in an official capacity to halt the British Government’s proposed Stamp Act—at least until it had been approved by the Philadelphia assembly in America. This wide-ranging tax covered anything which needed an official stamp: like newspapers or tea. He found the British ill-educated about Americans; the official British view was that America was British territory to be ruled by Britain for British interests. Franklin thought of himself as a loyal British American and felt passionately that both countries had much to gain from a relationship that recognized the different needs of America as valid and important. Alas, his vision went unheeded, and we know what followed.
Franklin was also a man of science, recognized throughout Europe. He made many scientist friends in Britain and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He also invented the lightning conductor, bi-focal spectacles, and mapped the course of the Gulf Stream, amongst many other things. George Goodwin’s elegantly written book illuminates the complicated politics of the day, Franklin’s home life and his interlocking interests with a wealth of anecdotes. Highly recommended.
