Somersett: Benjamin Franklin and the Masterminding of American Independence Audiobook by Phillip Goodrich

Multi-voiced narration by Euan Morton and ensemble cast (2021)

An Audiobook Original that sheds light on Benjamin Franklin's role in bringing the northern and southern colonies together against corrupt British rule. Part courtroom drama, part political thriller, this assiduously researched work of American history is enacted by a cast of award-winning actors who electrify the drama as they bring to life over thirty historical characters in intermittent scenes presented in stage play form.

In 1757, Benjamin Franklin worked behind the scenes with an "Inner Circle" of British Abolitionists to secure the freedom of a single American slave, James Somersett. In cooperation with a vast network of colonial allies, Franklin set in motion a series of events that provided the impetus for northern patriots and politically cautious southern slaveholders to join forces.

Critical acclaim for the narration

AudioFile Magazine awarded Somersett the Earphones Award, praising the ensemble cast's performance:

"The story centers on Benjamin Franklin, who dedicated the second half of his life to wresting the Colonies from England. Along the way, a 1772 judgment by the Earl of Mansfield [...] gave a single enslaved man, James Somersett, his freedom, creating a devastating dichotomy between abolitionist New England's creed and what the South viewed as 'property rights.' Franklin hoped that the fledgling U.S. Constitution would resolve the issue of slavery. In his afterword the author provides more details on why it did not. Essential listening."

— AudioFile Magazine (Earphones Award winner)

Awards & nominations

• AudioFile Earphones Award (2021)
• AudioFile Magazine Best Audiobooks (2021)
• Audie Awards Finalist (2022, History/Biography category)
• SOVAS Voice Arts Awards Nominee (2021, Audiobook Narration - History)

Narrators

Euan Morton voices multiple characters including Thomas Pownall (British bureaucrat and first to join Franklin's "Inner Circle"), Thomas Paine (author of "Common Sense"), and the dueling attorneys on opposing sides of the Somersett case: the idealistic Francis Hargrave and English jurist John Dunning, 1st Baron Ashburton.

Robert Petkoff serves as the primary narrator, bringing his award-winning voice to this fascinating account of the American Revolution's backroom dealings.

Joe Morton narrates the 3-hour "Interlude" section which introduces the American slave James Somersett and brings the courtroom drama to life.

Simon Jones voices the Earl of Mansfield with perfect British authority.

Nicola Barber plays Lady Caroline of the formidable Howe dynasty.

Phillip Goodrich reads the author's note and afterword.

About Phillip Goodrich

Phillip Goodrich is a practicing general surgeon and American history enthusiast who has developed a fascination with the lesser-told tales of America's founding years. His interest has led him to extensive research into the personal and political lives of American greats such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. A graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Southern California in medicine, Phillip practices in suburban Kansas City, Missouri. Somersett represents his first foray into narrative American history.

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