A review by manish25
Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership by Edward J. Larson

informative fast-paced

4.5

Edward J. Larson’s Franklin and Washington: A Founding Partnership offers an insightful and accessible look at the relationship between two of America’s most revered Founders. By shifting focus from their individual biographies to the dynamic between them, Larson presents a fresh angle on the Revolutionary era—one grounded in collaboration, mutual respect, and strategic unity.

The contrast between Franklin’s diplomatic savvy and Washington’s military and political command is well-drawn, and Larson does an admirable job of weaving their correspondence, shared goals, and complementary strengths into a coherent narrative. His prose is clear, and his research solid without becoming overwhelming.

That said, there were moments where the book felt a little too concise. The premise is so compelling that it leaves you wanting more—more detail on their private communications, more insight into how their alliance evolved over time, and more exploration of the broader political ecosystem they navigated together. At just over 300 pages, the book feels like it only scratches the surface of a rich and underexplored partnership.

While not packed with groundbreaking revelations, Franklin and Washington succeeds in recontextualizing two well-known figures through their shared contributions to the founding of the United States. It’s a smart, readable history that deepens appreciation for how collaboration—not just charisma or command—helped shape a nation.