1. [n]  (England) a landowner (14th and 15th centuries) who was free but not of noble birth
2. [n]  printer whose success as an author led him to take up politics; he helped draw up the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; he played a major role in the American Revolution and negotiated French support for the colonists; as a scientist he is remembered particularly for his research in electricity (1706-1790)
3. [n]  United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)

Franklin
The author paints a vivid portrait of founding father Benjamin Franklin, arguing that the American republic would not have been possible without this Renaissance author, journalist, scientist, politician, diplomat, and bon vivant.

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