Reviews: (by author)

Fleming, Candace. Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life. New York: Atheneum, 2003. $19.95. 120 pp., large format. ISBN 0-689-83549-3.

"This is not your traditional biography," the author says in a note addressed to the "Courteous Reader." It's not traditional in the way it presents information: on very full, well-designed pages, nor is it traditional in the way it portrays its subject, himself certainly one of the most interesting of early Americans. Franklin appears here in the round, large and small –great events to daily doings. This is a slow, though-provoking read with much to relish on each page, so be aware of the reading level of the kid you give this to. It would be excellent for the upper elementary and older classroom.

Actually, anyone interested in American history would appreciate this book. It's printed on fine glossy paper and is substantial. The pages are laid out as if designed in the 1700s, with inset etchings, portraits, designs for inventions, and miscellaneous sketches such as cartoons, all set off neatly by black borders. The texts of the insets tell intriguing side stories. Adding to the colonial look of the book are the type fonts used, very attractive, very clear. This is a tidbits book, a lot of fun to open on many occasions to random pages and pick up a fact, an anecdote, or one of Franklin's wise sayings, like this:

Good writing should be smooth, clear, and short, and the art of saying little in much must be avoided at all costs. In written discourse, every needless thing gives offense and must be eliminated….Had this always been done, many large and tiresome volumes would have shrunk into pamphlets, and many a pamphlet into a single period. 23

The information about the Revolutionary War period is fascinating as told from a different perspective than as in a traditional history. Fleming researched for three years before writing this outstanding book.

Highly recommended
Alida Allison, January 2004

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