A Great Improvisation (about Benjamin Franklin)

[BOSSHOG]

The book chronicles Franklin's work in France during the late 1770's and early 1780's to secure funding for our revolutionary effort. Excellent account although the author wrote as if she were in the 18th Century. Puts Franklin in a very fine light, he was truly loved by the French. John Adams, major league asshole per this book.

A great read for American History Buffs.

[Warpy]

1. Adams was a no nonsense New Englander

with a Puritanical heritage. Franklin was a bon vivant who knew the value of schmoozing in a foreign country. That they would clash is inevitable given the chasm between the character of each man.

Even as a former New Englander who lived within ten minutes of Adams's farm, I have to say that of the two men, I know Franklin was the more effective.

Plus, every time I use my woodstove in the winter to help defray the cost of heating this dump, I am grateful to his open and generous nature. For those who haven't studied the man, one of the things he did throughout his life was give his many inventions to the American people without patent or other restriction. We all owe a great deal of gratitude to him.

When I can see well enough to read, I'll check this one out.

[BOSSHOG]

2. I always read such tomes

with a jaundiced eye. While the author did a great job of capturing the period and action taking place, she really crapped on Adams, I thought. Along with just about every other American envoy to France except Jefferson who did not appear in the book until towards the end. Per this book, Adams hated everyone, Americans, British, French, Spanish. Himself, I guess. I do not have such an opinion of our second president. I find it a plus to have a mixed bag of opinion amongst our founding fathers but I do have an extremely soft spot for Mr Franklin. If he had been 20 years younger no doubt he would have been one of our first three presidents. Per this book he could have been King of France if he chose.

[YankeyMCC]

3. Per the recent John Adam's bio by McCullough

Adams did develop a deep respect and fondness for Franklin when they met and over the years before France. But they did clash, mostly do to personality styles and Adams at times grew very frustrated and doubtful of Franklin's fortitude and abilities during that time. But then later in life his feelings softened, as you might expect as time passes.

They were definitely different men and that caused a clash.