This is a book about friendships. Benjamin Franklin, America's great founding father, had many friends. Some of Franklin's friendships were lifelong, a few were brief and ill-fated. But they all influenced the development of his character and his many talents. He was a writer, diplomat, scientist, inventor, philosopher, peacemaker, and signer of all four documents marking the birth of the United States of America—the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Alliance with France, Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, the Constitution of the United States. His friend included kings and queens, politicians, writers, artists, and scientists.

In a lively, readable style, Robert Quackenbush tells the inspiring story of Benjamin Franklin and his most significant friendships. The book begins with Franklin's friendship with John Collins, his best friend when he was a boy, and ends with his friendship with George Washington before Franklin's death at age eighty-four. To accompany the text, Mr. Quackenbush has rendered vigorous pen and ink and wash drawings that are in keeping with the whimsy and humor that were Franklin's trademarks.

From the dust jacket