Unlike many intellectuals of the eighteenth century, Franklin was not a rigid thinker. His philosophy developed over many years and Franklin himself said if an idea did not withstand scrutiny it should be discarded.

The humble printer never stopped learning, growing, and maturing.

Meltzer does not look just at Franklin's achievements as a statesman, politician, and diplomat, but he examines other aspects of Franklin's multifaceted career. For instance, Meltzer discusses Franklin's many and varied accomplishments as an inventor and scientist.

His work in the field of electricity and his invention of the lightning rod are two examples. Because of Franklin's importance in founding the United States, many people overlook his importance as a scientist. Except for the famous kite-flying episode in the storm, which is remembered more for Franklin's daring as he confronted the power of lightning than for its scientific merit, few people...