The Devious Dr. Franklin focuses on Benjamin Franklin's fifteen-and-a-half-year career as a colonial agent in London, first for Pennsylvania and then for Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. During his years in London, Franklin became a seasoned lobbyist and gained the experience that enabled him to become America's first diplomat. But as a colonial agent he revealed himself to be a devious man who kept everyone guessing as to his true intentions.

All of the acclaimed doctor's character flaws were clearly exhibited by him during the years he served in London as colonial agent. This is the only part of Franklin's career that has not been the focal point of an in-depth examination by historians. In this ground-breaking study, Morgan demonstrates that Benjamin Franklin knew well the value of a good public image and that the Doctor worked diligently to create and promote a favorable image, with both his contemporaries and posterity in mind.