Doug Lockyer

Of course, Voltaire and Franklin were both in Paris shortly before and after the American Revolutionary War (1775 to 17783) but I have not been able to find any documentation supporting a relationship. How couldn't they have known each other though? Both dissenting revolutionaries and outspoken critics and writers...

Well One thing is almost certain. Although parlor billiards had been around, even in America since at least 1665, Ben and Francois were unlikely to have ever hung out and played. Nice concept though...chewing the philosophical fat with two of the world's great thinkers over some eight-ball and a cigar?

Now Harriet Beecher Stowe was of course not around yet, and Uncle Tom's Cabin an unthunk masterpiece, but she would fit right in (even if she were a tad disdainful).

Note george burns hand makes an appearance here, and the bodies are all from Dutch Masters paintings.

Also check out the little dog's playing pool painting in the background art by Arthur Samoff. Don't sue me, Art!