Larson laudably tries to counter the tendency of historians, especially biographers, to focus on individuals rather than teams.

Unfortunately, the author does not come up with..nuggets. Rather, what readers will find is a standard, some might say superficial retelling of his two subjects’ lives, with occasional commentary about similarities and differences that don’t really offer any new insights. Part of the author’s challenge is that Franklin and Washington rarely crossed each other’s paths.

Larson lays down a pairing that has hitherto been neglected.

A well-written account for readers interested in two key figures of the American Revolution. Based on primary and secondary sources, this well-researched work tells the story of a significant relationship of the era..

Prize-winning historian Larson...brings together the lives of these titans, showing how their backgrounds and joint interests made them ideal partners.

Despite Larson’s efforts, few readers will fail to note that the pair were never a close-knit team (à la Washington/Hamilton or Jefferson/Madison) or rivals (à la Jefferson/Adams or Jefferson/Hamilton) but national icons who knew and respected each other. To call them partners is a stretch. Few original insights but fine biographies..

... an impressive joint survey.

... a lean and accessible dual biography.