Poor Richard's Lament

<p><em>Poor Richard's Lament</em> is a sweeping philosophical and moral examination of Benjamin Franklin's life and legacy that takes readers on an extraordinary journey over the same ground Franklin covered in the mid-18t<sup>h</sup> century when he fatefully removed from Boston to Philadelphia. </p><p></p><p>In this compelling narrative Benjamin Franklin finds himself in a celestial court where he is asked to account for his life's actions and inactions. As three celestial examiners meticulously dissect his legacy-from his famous virtues to his personal failings-Franklin is forced to confront the full weight of his decisions particularly those regarding his family his slaves and the compromises he made in pursuit of success and ambition.</p><p></p><p>The narrative shifts to present-day America and a plot unfolds involving political manipulation fiscal corruption and moral bankruptcy that eerily mirror the very issues Franklin is being judged on. As the two plots converge the narrativecreates a profound meditation on American values human weakness and the possibility of redemption.</p><p></p><p>Tom Fitzgerald has crafted a masterful tale that blends historical fiction with spiritual fantasy challenging readers to consider not just Franklin's complicated moral legacy but America's as well. Through exquisite prose and deep philosophical insight <em>Poor Richard's Lament</em> asks the reader to embrace a refrain that haunts Franklin to the very end: though the hour is late yet still there is time.</p><p></p><p>Is there?</p><p></p><p><em>A grand and gorgeous book! The pleasures of prose passion and intelligence pervade these pages.</em></p><p><em> MICHAEL ZUCKERMAN</em></p><p><em> University of Pennsylvania</em></p><p></p><p><em> A re-imagining of Benjamin Franklin you will not soon forget.</em></p><p><em> WALTER ISAACSON </em></p><p><em>author of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: AN AMERICAN LIFE</em></p><p></p><p><em> One of the most insightful looks at the full depth of Franklin available. Do not miss it!</em></p><p><em> RALPH ARCHBOLD</em></p><p><em> author of BEN FRANKLIN</em></p><p></p><p><em> A very well crafted tale brilliantly researcher.</em></p><p><em> ROY GOODMAN </em></p><p><em>Curator of Printed Materials </em></p><p><em>American Philosophical Society</em></p><p></p><p><em> Perhaps the most finely wrought fictional rendering of an historical personage since Tolstoy's Napoleon.</em></p><p><em> MATT FITZGERALD</em></p><p><em> Author/Journalist </em></p><p></p><p><em>An astonishing feat of imagination. Fitzgerald uses superb prose to reveal the character and soul of Ben Franklin in ways nonfiction never could.</em></p><p><em> LEWIS TREISTMAN MSW</em></p><p></p><p><em> A powerful adventure in reading!</em></p><p><em> TOM GIDLEY LLD PhD</em></p><p></p><p><em> Written with uncommon love for and attention to language story and character; nearly every page sparkles with insight and wisdom.</em></p><p><em> BAN NYO SHO SHIN</em></p><p><em> Buddhist Monk</em></p><p></p><p><em>A tour de force! Poor Richard's Lament should be required reading in every high school and college in the nation.</em></p><p><em> DORI HALE</em></p><p><em> Poet</em></p><p></p><p><em> An incredible piece of work!</em></p><p><em> WILLIAM MCKEEMAN </em></p><p><em>Former faculty chair Wang Institute of Graduate Studies</em></p>