Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist

Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist

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. 8 pages of illustrations "[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 Praise for Richard Munson Tesla "Penetrating . . . Munson makes vivid the genius’s eventful life." ― Nature "A most interesting and often amusing book. Gives us a detailed and vivid glimpse of the competitive world of electrical innovation at the end of the 19th century." ― The Spectator “Munson tells the story engagingly.” ― Times Literary Supplement "A lucid, expertly researched biography of the brilliant Nikola Tesla. Readers . . . will absolutely enjoy [Richard Munson’s] sympathetic, insightful portrait.” ― Kirkus , starred review “[A] celebratory, comprehensive profile. . . . A well-written, insightful addition to the legacy of this still-unappreciated visionary genius.” ― Booklist Richard Munson is an author and clean-energy advocate. His previous books include Tesla: Inventor of the Modern .