How does a biographer do justice to the life of Benjamin Franklin when he lived so long and did so much? Fleming has succeeded with a scrapbook organized by topic rather than chronology: boyhood, family, writing, science, thoughts on a well-lived life, revolution, France, and “Final Remembrances.” Readers can dip in anywhere and find something of interest: rules for being a better writer, an essay on “whirlwinds in his bowels,” Ben’s role in the fight for independence, Ben at the Constitutional Convention. The inviting format is loaded with maps, cartoons, portraits, engravings, newspaper ads, and excerpts from Franklin’s writing. The timeline at the beginning of the volume helps put events in order, and the author’s biographical comments are interspersed with the memorabilia. The solid bibliography for young readers and guide to Web sites will lead readers further. An excellent resource and worthy companion to more traditional biographies. (introduction, picture credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)
