In "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America," author Stacy Schiff paints a vivid picture of Benjamin Franklin's character, particularly during his time in France. She highlights his notorious behavior, suggesting that he maintained a dissolute lifestyle that included heavy drinking and associating with women of loose morals. This portrayal reflects Franklin's complex nature, where his public persona as a diplomat and inventor contrasts sharply with his private indulgences.

This stark description, summarizing a life lived on the edge, indicates that Franklin was often inebriated and rarely without female company. Such insights from the book help to challenge the conventional image of Franklin as solely a serious statesman and thinker, reminding readers that historical figures can embody both brilliance and moral ambiguity. Schiff's work provides a more nuanced understanding of Franklin's contributions and character, enriching the narrative of America's founding era.