“Electrifying portrait.”
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Publishers Weekly – Ranked as a Top 10 Book for Fall 2024

Apple Books – Ranked as one of Fall’s Most Anticipated Biographies

Next Big Idea Club – Must-Read November Book

The dramatic story of an ingenious man who explained nature and created a country.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the preeminent scientists of his time. Driven by curiosity, he conducted cutting-edge research on electricity, heat, ocean currents, weather patterns, chemical bonds, and plants. But today, Franklin is remembered more for his political prowess and diplomatic achievements than his scientific creativity.

In Ingenious, Richard Munson recovers this vital part of Franklin’s story, reveals his modern relevance, and offers a compelling portrait of a shrewd experimenter, clever innovator, and visionary physicist whose fame opened doors to negotiate French support and funding for American independence. Munson’s riveting narrative explores how science underpins Franklin’s entire story — from tradesman to inventor to nation-founder.