Franklin in France: Celebrity, Diplomat, and Flirt

Benjamin Franklin was, of course, an American, but he did some of his most important and fascinating work in France, where he sought to secure vital French support for the American Revolution. He achieved that goal in spectacular fashion, pulling off what has been called “the greatest diplomatic triumph in American history.”  Along the way, he leveraged his celebrity and winning personality, penned some humorous “bagatelles,” weighed in on Mesmerism, witnessed an early balloon flight, and made many French friends and admirers, including a few particularly close ones of the opposite sex. Join Indiana University Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada, author of Ben Franklin’s Lessons in Life, for this lecture on Franklin’s diplomacy and dalliances in a country he loved—and that loved him back.

About the Speaker

Mark Canada, Ph.D., is the eighth chancellor of Indiana University Kokomo, as well as a longtime Professor of English.  A frequent lecturer on literature, language, and history, he is comfortable speaking to a wide variety of audiences—from students of all ages to fellow academics to travelers and more—and has a reputation for delivering lively, accessible, often humorous lectures.  His seven books include the Audible Originals Ben Franklin’s Lessons in Life (2021) and Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Horror (2020), as well as Literature and Journalism in Antebellum America and Thomas Wolfe Remembered.  His articles on Franklin, Poe, Henry David Thoreau, Rebecca Harding Davis, truth in the media, student success, and other subjects have appeared in The Conversation, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Southern Cultures, Journalism History, American Literary Realism, and other outlets.  Dr. Canada is the founder of Mind Inclined, a free lifelong-learning platform featuring his Mind Travel newsletter, Ring the Bell podcasts, and more.  More information is available at markcanada.org.

Questions?
Contact Benjamin Liechty at baliecht@iu.edu or 765-455-9595.