BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

In the author's ``First Biography'' series (presenting more substantial information than his ``Picture Book'' biographies but still easily read): an excellent introduction with a goodly collection of revealing, not always familiar anecdotes enlivening a straightforward account of many of Franklin's most outstanding accomplishments, clearly set in their historical time. The portrait is positive, but Adler does mention a few circumstances (e.g., Franklin's common-law marriage and the fact that the real purpose of the fur cap he wore in France was to cover eczema) countering the traditional—but inaccurate—saintly image. Miller's large, detailed pen drawings, on every double spread, are stolidly utilitarian, though they do lighten the format and convey something of the period's flavor. Overall: attractive and informative. Index. (Biography. 8-11)