One Degree of Benjamin Franklin

Join Ben Franklin's pursuit for an independent America in this captivating historical fiction regaling his journey from rebellion to Founding Father.

After spending over twenty years in London advocating equality for the thirteen colonies, Ben Franklin, the world's most famous celebrity from the New World, has failed to convince the elites, aristocrats, and the king that the citizens of America should be treated as equals and not second-class citizens.

He leaves London in spring 1775 to find the rebellion has already begun, and his only son has chosen to remain loyal to the king, as does half of America.

Franklin finds himself supporting independence and mentors Thomas Jefferson while he writes the Declaration of Independence. He creates a team, including John Adams and John Jay, to negotiate military and financial support with France and other European countries to join America in the cause. Franklin specially chooses Marquis Lafayette and Baron von Steuben to assist General Washington's inner circle and, along with the French naval fleet, strategizes against the most powerful war machine in the world.

After eight years of war, Franklin and his team negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which secures America's independence, doubles its landmass, and creates commercial trading agreements. Franklin, almost eighty years of age, leaves Europe for the last time. En route to America, he adds to his groundbreaking scientific contributions by mapping the Atlantic water currents.

Arriving in America, he is loved and respected for his countless contributions to publications, science, inventions, education, and for his swan song, he completes his legacy with the Constitution of the United States.

-- Nicholas J. Karmo