Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World

The first extensively illustrated book documenting Franklin’s life and work—a must-have for any Franklin enthusiast.

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World examines the many facets of America’s most extraordinary founding father. Politician, diplomat, scientist, printer, and civic improver, Franklin influenced every aspect of American life, from his own time to the present. This book, designed to accompany the traveling Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary exhibition celebrating Franklin’s 300th birthday, includes essays by ten prominent scholars that offer an overview of Franklin’s life and  cover the full range of his interests and achievements, illustrated by more than 265 color images—portraits, manuscripts, drawings, maps, paintings, engravings, and a plethora of Franklin's possessions, from teacups to printing equipment. This comprehensive guide, combining new scholarship with unique images—many of which have never been exhibited before—will be a must-have for anyone interested in Franklin.

Exhibition Schedule:

Atlanta History Center, Atlanta (July 4 - October 14, 2007)

Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver (March 2 - May 28, 2007)

Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis (June 8 - September 4, 2006)

Musee de Arts et Metiers and Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France (Dec. 4, 2007 - March 30, 2008)

National Constitution Center, Philadelphia (December 15, 2005 - April 30, 2006)

The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston (Oct. 11, 2006 - Jan. 21, 2007)

Page Talbott is associate director of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary and chief curator of the exhibition Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, which will travel throughout the United States and to France from 2005 to 2008. Contributors: Ellen R. Cohn, James N.Green, Walter Isaacson, E. Philip Krider, Emma J. Lapsansky-Werner, J. A. Leo Lemay, Robert Middlekauff, Edmund S. Morgan, Billy G. Smith, Page Talbott