Dr. Franklin Goes to France: How America Was Born in Monarchist Europe

When they declared their independence in 1776, the American colonies were without money, munitions or gunpowder. Amid great secrecy Benjamin Franklin was dispatched to France to solicit aid & arms for the struggle to come. Franklin was 70 years old, without any diplomatic training, & knew only rudimentary French. But, he proved a brilliant, charismatic negotiator. The ingenious Franklin -- who had previously distinguished himself as printer, postmaster, scientist & colonial agent in London -- matched wits daily with intrepid spies, eager opportunists & hostile colleagues. He persuaded an absolute monarchy to support a nascent republic. ¿Brings Franklin¿s Parisian adventure vividly to life in this tale of international intrigue.¿ Illustrations.Schiff, Stacy is the author of 'Dr. Franklin Goes to France: How America Was Born in Monarchist Europe', published 2005 under ISBN 9781422367254 and ISBN 1422367258.