As a big lover of history this book satisfied my interest on all levels.
I did not realize that Franklin spent one fifth of his life, almost 20 years, in London. I knew he lived there when he was younger but I did not know he spent so many years there as a representative of the new United States..
Not only was he there to engage in life as a political representative, true to his inquisitive nature he interacted with scientists of the day, literary figures and others deemed members of the Enlightenment.
I liked how the author divided the book into chapters covering specific years of Franklin's life in London. It helped put perspective into how Franklin himself developed into the scientist he was in relation to the famous scientific advancements of the time.
I've read other biographies that George Godwin has written so I am familiar with his style of writing which made this book easy for me to read. I did find his writing in this book a bit more embellished than in others but it was not a distraction for me. It also did not read like a history text which is one of the reason I like the author's writing style.
In the end Franklin's dream of retaining England's connection with America was not to be but London's influence on Franklin and Franklin's on London would remain.

Ben Franklin is one of my favorite characters in history. Part scientist, part politician, part businessman, and mostly "operator", Franklin, probably more than any other founding father, is the image that exemplifies what I think is the best parts of the US. This book documents Franklin's time in London prior to the Revolution. It represents one of the lower points in Franklin's life, but one that was ultimately a success.

=== The Good Stuff ===

* Looking back from 250 years, it is easy to examine much of what Franklin accomplished, even when it was not obvious at the time.

* Franklin represented the colonies during their break with Britain. He ended up getting the blame- and the wrath- of Britain as relations deteriorated. And yet he still maintained his professionalism and decorum, and kept the respect of enough important people to help serve the interests of the eventual United States.

* The book seems impeccably well-researched, and comes complete with an excellent list of sources.

=== The Not-So-Good Stuff ===

* I had a problem with the writing style. Convoluted sentences and unclear meanings were common throughout the book- to the point that it limited my enjoyment of the title. I was able to struggle through the book, and was glad that I did...but I was also glad that I didn't have to read any more.

=== Summary ===

The book was a tough slog, but the material presented was interesting enough to make it worthwhile, but just barely.