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Ingenious

A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist
By Richard Munson
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Brief Description
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.... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
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The dramatic story of an ingenious man who explained nature and created a country

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781324123545

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Illustration: 8 pages of illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 218g

Pages: 272

Collections

Biography & Memoir Education & Reference Non-Fiction Political Biographies Politics & Current Affairs Richard Munson Science & Technology Biographies

About the Author

Richard Munson is an author and clean-energy advocate. His previous books include Tesla: Inventor of the Modern.

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