In the author's ""First Biography"" series (presenting more substantial information than his ""Picture Book"" biographies but still easily read): an excellent introduction with a goodly collection of revealing, not always familiar anecdotes enlivening a straightforward account of nanny of Franklin's most outstanding accomplishments, clearly set in their historical time. The portrait is positive, but Adler does mention a few circumstances (e.g., Franklin's common-law marriage and the faa that the real purpose of the fur cap he wore in France was to cover eczema) countering the traditional--but inaccurate--saintly image. Miller's large, detailed pen drawings, on every double spread, are stolidly utilitarian, though they do lighten the format and convey something of the period's flavor. Overall: attractive and informative. Index.