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A review by kevin_shepherd
A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff
5.0
I first became aware of Stacy Schiff in 2013 when she was one of the featured commencement speakers at my son's college graduation. I was so impressed with her that I rushed out and bought Cleopatra - a historical biography that read like an exquisite work of fiction. I was expecting more of the same with A Great Improvisation
...ummm, yes and no.
Whereas Cleopatra is enchanting and rather romantic, AGI is much more academic and intense. If your interest in American History is casual, I can only predict one of two outcomes: either (A) you won't finish it, or (B) your affinity for colonial history will exponentially increase.
So, if you're quite sure you are in the mood for a excruciatingly detailed piece about Benjamin Franklin, his cohorts, and their contributions to the American Revolution, then sit down, saddle-up and strap in. You will not be disappointed.
...ummm, yes and no.
Whereas Cleopatra is enchanting and rather romantic, AGI is much more academic and intense. If your interest in American History is casual, I can only predict one of two outcomes: either (A) you won't finish it, or (B) your affinity for colonial history will exponentially increase.
So, if you're quite sure you are in the mood for a excruciatingly detailed piece about Benjamin Franklin, his cohorts, and their contributions to the American Revolution, then sit down, saddle-up and strap in. You will not be disappointed.