A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America Audiobook

" Taking a little break from Fiction with this great story of Franklin's time in France "

" A most readable biography of Ben Franklin. "

" A gossipy, fun book to read about America's diplomatic outreach to France during the American Revolution. The author reveals the appealing aspects of Benjamin Franklin's character, but also provides evidence of the contradictions in his life and personality. John Adams doesn't appear to be a very appealing man, but you get a sense of his frustration in playing second fiddle to Franklin. You won't learn much about the battles of the Revolution, but will be treated to the development of the U.S. relationship with France's monarchy, the lifestyle of the French upper class, a bit of the scientifc discoveries of the time (including ballooning) and the immediate ramifications for France and Louis XVI in extending help to the former British colonies in their quest to become independent. "

" An excellent history of Franklin's time in France securing that country's support for America's independence from Great Britain. Very well written and sophisticated in its portrayal of the complicated personalities involved. "

" This book contains some interesting tidbits and is undoubtedly well researched, but it's just not at all engaging. I recently read a biography of George Washington by Joseph Ellis, which obviously covers many of the same topics, people, and events, and that one seemed much more interesting. I've decided this one just isn't worth any more of my time... "

" Great man, slow read, but still fascinating. "

" One of the best-written histories I've ever read. Impressive research that really gives the flavor of the time and place. "

" Dazzling. I am more convinced than ever that the destinies of France and the United States are inextricably linked, and that we all owe not a small debt of gratitude to Mr. Franklin. Schiff's book reveals him at his brilliant, witty, cunning best. "

" Enjoyable, well documented. What high jinx! Ben Franklin cheats at chess. Strange phrasing and punctuation, though. Grammatical but torturous at times. "

" If you have the time to read this in small increments, it's an amazing piece of scholarship. DO NOT try to read it for fun or for speed! Lots of unknown info on some of our founding fathers. "

" Well-researched, but so boring. "

" This read almost like a novel. Actually, I listened to it as an audiobook. My only critique is that it was abridged, and felt like it as I listened. "

" Interesting man and time. "

" LOVE this book! Extremely well written, and a great look at the differences in opinion and style among the founding fathers. One of the favorites I reach for when wanting a good, factual, bedtime story. "

" I think I am done with Stacy Schiff books. I can't seem to get into them the way I do McCullough or others. "

" I've read a lot of history books but this was a different take. I knew France was involved in the "birth" of America but I didn't know how involved it was. Very informative and easy to read. "

" Been quite a few years since I read this; entertaining and somewhat surprising. "

" Good story. Well written "

" Schiff writes a bit hoity-toity, but I like her approach to Franklin. "

" Good, but could have used a bit more editting. "

" Franklin seems to have been shafted by history, but this book reasserts his greatness. "

" The more I read about the American Revolution, the more utterly amazing and inexplicable I find it that it actually succeeded. "

" Couldn't get very far into this. I love the time period, and really enjoyed Schiff's biography of Cleopatra, but this one just didn't do it for me! "

" Outstanding look at Benjamin Franklin in Paris. But Stacy Schiff's writing lacks clarity in places, which can be confusing. "