"A brilliant intertwining of the public and private lives of Ben Franklin and his son William, a fascinating and painful story."

- Frank Freidel, Harvard University

"This is a major work about two of the most important men in American history, and why this story has not been told before I cannot know. The book is beautifully and dramatically written and tells a sad and poignant story."

- Arthur Link, Princeton University

"An exciting slice of history, documenting not so much the lives of a father and son but the formation of the Republic."

- Judith Baumel, The New York Times

"This book deserves to be read….It has considerable verve, an excellent story to tell, and displays one outstanding skill-a sense of character."

- J. H. Plumb, New York Review of Books