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Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution (The American Revolution Series) Book Cover May Vary Paperback – May 9, 2017

by Nathaniel Philbrick (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,106 ratings
Editors' pick Best History
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A New York Times Bestseller
Winner of the George Washington Prize

A surprising account of the middle years of the American Revolution and the tragic relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold, from the New York Times bestselling author of In The Heart of the Sea, Mayflower, and In the Hurricane's Eye.

"May be one of the greatest what-if books of the age—a volume that turns one of America’s best-known narratives on its head.”—Boston Globe

"Clear and insightful, [Valiant Ambition] consolidates Philbrick's reputation as one of America's foremost practitioners of narrative nonfiction."—Wall Street Journal

In the second book of his acclaimed American Revolution series, Nathaniel Philbrick turns to the tragic relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. In September 1776, the vulnerable Continental army under an unsure George Washington evacuated New York after a devastating defeat by the British army. Three weeks later, one of his favorite generals, Benedict Arnold, miraculously succeeded in postponing the British naval advance down Lake Champlain that might have lost the war. As this book ends, four years later Washington has vanquished his demons, and Arnold has fled to the enemy. America was forced at last to realize that the real threat to its liberties might not come from without but from withinComplex, controversial, and dramatic, Valiant Ambition is a portrait of a people in crisis and the war that gave birth to a nation.
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Previous page
  1. Book 2 of 3
    The American Revolution Series
  2. Print length
    448 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Penguin Books
  5. Publication date
    May 9, 2017
  6. Dimensions
    5.48 x 0.98 x 8.45 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0143110195
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0143110194
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"May be one of the greatest what-if books of the age—a volume that turns one of America’s best-known narratives on its head.”
—Boston Globe

“A suspenseful, richly detailed, and deeply researched book about the revolutionary struggle that bound George Washington and Benedict Arnold together and almost disastrous dysfunction of America’s revolutionary government that helped drive them apart.”
—The New York Review of Books

"Clear and insightful, it consolidates his reputation as one of America's foremost practitioners of narrative nonfiction."
—Wall Street Journal

"Philbrick is both a meticulous historian and a captivating storyteller. The book has unforgettable novelistic details [and] also contains much astute historical analysis and argument. Philbrick sees Arnold not as the man who almost lost the war so much as the catalyst that helped to win it."
—Christian Science Monitor

“This is history at its most compelling: political machinations, military jostling and outright treachery. And Philbrick’s vivid writing brings the whistling cannon balls and half-frozen soldiers to life (and death) in vivid detail….He peels back the mythology to reveal a teetering war effort, a bickering Congress, discordant states unwilling to coalesce to support the new national government and — above all — a traitor who sought to sell out his own country for personal gain and achieved instead the one thing that no other revolutionary could: a unification of the Americans and an end to the war. And for that, we have much to thank Benedict Arnold."
—Seattle Times
 
"Benedict Arnold takes center stage in Nathaniel Philbrick’s vivid and in some ways cautionary tale of the Revolutionary War. The near-tragic nature of the drama hinges not on any military secrets Arnold gave to the British but on an open secret: the weakness of the patriot cause….Arnold’s betrayal still makes for great drama, proving once again that the supposed villains of a story are usually the most interesting."
—New York Times Book Review

“Philbrick wants his readers to experience the terror, the suffering and the adrenaline rush of battle, and he wants us to grit our teeth at our early politicians who, by their pettiness and shortsightedness, shape military events as profoundly as generals and admirals do. Finally, he reveals the emotional and physical cost of war on colonial society. He succeeds on all fronts.”
—Washington Post

“Philbrick has the ability to take seemingly dry facts of history and turn them into exciting prose. The players come alive and their motivations are clear. The people he chronicles are legends, so revealing to the reader what makes them human, foibles and all, helps make sense of the events that transpired and why they acted the way they did.”
—Associated Press

"Philbrick's deep scholarship, nuanced analysis, and novelistic storytelling add up to another triumph."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A lively account of our Revolutions’ most reviled figure.”
—Kirkus Reviews

"An engrossing narrative of the war’s most difficult years... Philbrick argues that the quarrelsome, divided Americans needed Arnold’s perfidy as much as they did Washington’s greatness to unify their new nation. He pushes aside the patriotic myth to unveil the war’s messy reality—and it’s still a rousing adventure.”
—BookPage

“As another American summer crawls toward the Fourth of July, and with a presidential election creeping up like Freddy on Elm Street, Nathaniel Philbrick offers some beach reading to remind us that outsized egos and a dysfunctional Congress were as much at issue in 1776 as they are now — if that’s any comfort...Valiant Ambition colorfully reconstructs the character-driven battles that defined the Revolutionary War.”
—USA Today
 
“Look, you’re not getting tickets to Hamilton. If he were alive, George Washington himself couldn’t get tickets to Hamilton. Here’s a cheaper alternative…a new look at the first American president and contrasts him with our most famous traitor.”
—The Miami Herald

Praise for Bunker Hill

"A masterpiece of narrative and perspective."
—Boston Globe

"A tour de force . . ."
—Chicago Tribune

"Popular history at its best—a taut narrative with a novelist's touch, grounded in careful research."
—Miami Herald

"A story that resonates with leadership lessons for all times."
—Walter Isaacson, The Washington Post

"A gripping book."
—The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of In the Heart of the Sea, winner of the National Book Award; Mayflower, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Bunker Hill, winner of the New England Book Award; Sea of Glory; The Last Stand; Why Read Moby Dick?; and Away Off Shore. He lives in Nantucket.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; Reprint edition (May 9, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143110195
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143110194
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.48 x 0.98 x 8.45 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,106 ratings

About the author

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Nathaniel Philbrick

Nathaniel Philbrick

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Nathaniel Philbrick

Life at a Glance

Born

1956 in Boston, Mass.

Educated

Linden Elementary School and Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pa.; BA in English from Brown University in Providence, RI, and an MA in America Literature from Duke University in Durham, NC

Sailing

Philbrick was Brown's first Intercollegiate All-American sailor in 1978; that year he won the Sunfish North Americans in Barrington, RI; today he and his wife Melissa sail their Beetle Cat Clio and their Tiffany Jane 34 Marie-J in the waters surrounding Nantucket Island.

Married

Melissa Douthart Philbrick, who is an attorney on Nantucket. They have two children: Jennie, 23, and Ethan 20.

Career

After grad school, Philbrick worked for four years at Sailing World magazine; was a freelancer for a number of years, during which time he wrote/edited several sailing books, including Yaahting: A Parody (1984), for which he was the editor-in-chief; during this time he was also the primary caregiver for his two children. After moving to Nantucket in 1986, he became interested in the history of the island and wrote Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People. He was offered the opportunity to start the Egan Maritime Foundation in 1995, and in 2000 he published In the Heart of the Sea, followed by Sea of Glory, in 2003, and Mayflower, due in May 2006.

Awards and Honors

In the Heart of the Sea won the National Book Award for nonfiction; Revenge of the Whale won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award; Sea of Glory won the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize and the Albion-Monroe Award from the National Maritime Historical Society. Philbrick has also received the Byrne Waterman Award from the Kendall Whaling Museum, the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for distinguished service from the USS Constitution Museum, the Nathaniel Bowditch Award from the American Merchant Marine Museum, and the William Bradford Award from the Pilgrim Society.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,106 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jack D. Morris
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book on George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Revolution
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018
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This is an honest and interesting treatment of the American Revolution from the perspective of its most famous person, George Washington, and it's most infamous person, Benedict Arnold. What the author does is provide a very good portrait of Arnold as a brave and brilliant, if brash, military officer and strategist, along with his ignoble traits of vanity and self interest. This is contrasted with Washington, who is portrayed as a not so brilliant strategist, and learning through mistakes to become a great military leader. But the author confirms what we believe, that Washington is not a vain person and exhibits through his actions and writings a purpose that is in the best interests of the people and our country.
Besides the British, the greatest problem for Washington is the incessant meddling in his affairs by the Continental Congress, which for the most part appears to be acting on behalf of the special interests of the various state factions that form the government. This also creates major problems for Arnold, who is passed over many times for legitimate promotions in rank, by a disapproving Congress. It is possible that his treason would not have occurred had Congress behaved in a fair and equitable way and properly recognized his military accomplishments.
As the book draws to a conclusion, the author describes Arnold's predictable slide into treason, the part of the story we are all know from the version of American History taught in grade school. Some reviews say that the book ends without a proper conclusion. I am guessing that they would like more information on Arnold after he defected and some more details on his military exploits under the British Flag. But I think the author, being a writer interested in American History, might have another book in mind as a sequel to this one. All in all I think the author provided a well balanced and unbiased description of events.
I found the TV miniseries TURN, about Washington's Spy Ring, to provide a very interesting look at this period. Clearly the screenwriters have taken some Hollywood liberties concerning historical accuracy. Although the focus is on espionage, it covers the battles of the period starting around late 1776 to the end of 1781 with the siege of Yorktown. And besides the main characters of the Spy Ring, it includes a good portrayal of George Washington and Benedict Arnold and takes on the whole affair of Arnold's treason, including the roles of Andre and Peggy Shippen. It also goes beyond Philbrick's book to let us know the fate of these characters after the revolution.
I can also recommend another book for Revolutionary War history buffs: The Life of George Washington, by John Marshall. Besides a complete biography of Washington, the book covers all the military battles fought throughout the 13 colonies and Canada. It is also where I first learned about the Continental Congress interfering with Washington's prosecution of the war. Post war, when Washington is President, it describes some of the major events, particularly the delicate problem of the French Revolution, that affected his presidency. It is an interesting book if you like American History.
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B. Wilfong
4.0 out of 5 stars “Great men, get great praise, little men nothing.”
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2022
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For me, the best thing about VALIANT AMBITION is that it was better than its predecessor in Mr. Philbrick’s trilogy about the American Revolution, BUNKER HILL. Much more objective in it examination of its subjects. I will also add that reading so soon after BUNKER HILL enhanced the experience for me. Knowledge I retained from that book was put to good use in reading this one. This text is a great overview of the Revolution in the “northern” sector of the war (NY, PA, VT, Maine, Canada, etc.) from about 1777 to 1780.

First, the quibbles. There are many abrupt transitions of topic without any explanations. If someone did not have a basic familiarity with the subject matter I think it could confuse. Also, in this book Philbrick makes assumptions about people’s motives. He did it in BUNKER HILL as well. I guess it is hard not to. At least in this text he made an effort to base most assumptions on some evidence

Some highlights include many nice examinations of key moments in the Revolution that I knew only a little about: the Battle of Valcour Bay, the Siege of Fort Mifflin & Mud Island, the machinations of the so called “Conway Cabal”, and others. Many nuggets of interest here that often get overlooked with some of the war’s more “glamorous” moments. The author also does a nice job of humanizing Benedict Arnold and George Washington, the main people of focus in the text, and their good and bad traits are objectively (for the most part) examined. Also well rendered are the machinations and backstabbing of some generals and politicians angling for power and prestige. Even when the cause is just and proper, some humans (maybe most) can’t rise above our natures and stay focused on the more noble effort.

Quotes:
• “A state of revolution is the most seducing on earth.”
• “You are fighting for what you can never obtain, and we are defending what we were never meant to part with.” (Thomas Paine in a letter to British General Howe)
• “If ever destruction was complete, it was here.”
• “We must not in so great a contest, expect to meet with nothing but sunshine.”
• “In the end it had all come down to money. Unwilling to pay the taxes demanded by Great Britain, the American people had fomented a revolution; unwilling to pay for an army, they were about to default on the promise they had made to themselves in the Declaration of Independence.”
• “…in the nation that was to emerge from this seemingly never-ending war, ordinary citizens would ultimately have, whether or not their betters chose to admit it, the last word.”
• “Since republics rely on the inherent virtue of the people, they are exceedingly fragile.”
• “Treason, along with suicide, is the most self-centered of acts.”

I enjoyed VALIANT AMBITION. I think it is the best book I have read (to date) about Benedict Arnold and the causes and consequences of his treason in the larger context of the whole conflict. It is detailed without being bogged down, a history lesson without being dry, and most importantly, about people who are a mix of emotions and qualities. The power and lesson for the reader is in recognizing that we too share those mixed bag of qualities. Which ones will win out in us?
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M.D.
5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable book
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024
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A fast read with a lot of detail. Brings in a lot of facets into the story of the notorious traitor Benedict Arnold and his relationship with George Washington
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Paul Warren
5.0 out of 5 stars Philbrick hits another Home Run!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023
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I'm a fan of Nathaniel Philbrick's books. His "Last Stand" in my opinion is the best narrative of G.A. Custer and his 7th Calvary Regiments infamous defeat at the Battle of the Little Big Horn 6-25-1876 yet written. "Valiant Ambition" is in the same breadth and depth as "Last Stand" and it reads well and smoothly. It should provide most readers with Historical detail that's hard to find.. Another aspect of Philbrick's books are the quality maps and illustrations he includes. ,positioned conveniently to readily support the text you are reading. The Book is a 10. Nice looking Hard Cover for your bookcase.
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars As Effective as Ken Burns' 'The Civil War' and with better picture quality - i.e. my imagination!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
Outstandingly readable, wonderfully-researched, but with all the readability of a well-written novel that truly brings characters and motivations to life.

I spent a week taking my time and savoring this book.

In a way, I wish I had realised that there were so many good portraits at the end of the book - but it was good to take my time going through the supporting notes as well.

Highly, highly recommended!

Nadine in Scotland
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Rule 62 Ken
5.0 out of 5 stars Author's Passion Makes for Excellent History
Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2016
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Valiant Ambition is a fascinating tale of the American Revolution told with the infamous Benedict Arnold at the center of the story. Arnold, formerly a wealthy Connecticut merchant, had initially distinguished himself as a very brave and fearless wartime commander, who defended his country at considerable personal sacrifice, both physically and financially. Philbrick tells the story of how Arnold changed from a steadfast patriot into a selfish, greedy and resentful traitor, willing to sacrifice the lives of his countrymen for personal gain.

But there is much more to this story than Arnold's personal transformation. In what is clearly a labour of love, Philbrick tells the story of the American Revolution, and of how George Washington also evolved from a someone who, the author asserts, was in over his head as a military commander, into the leader that he is known to be today. Philbrick also describes the political climate of the Revolutionary era, filled with tension between loyalists and revolutionaries, as well as the political dysfunction that resulted from a legislative body that was supposed to be united, but was really just a collection of thirteen self-interested regions, many clamoring for war, but unwilling to pay for it. We also learn that political interference in military matters is not a recent phenomenon, with generals in this era selected and promoted based on political connection rather than merit, and how generals postured and jostled for position to receive glory whether earned or not.

Philbrick tells us much that we wouldn't necessarily know from popular history. For example, I was amazed to learn that Arnold was not only skilled in fighting land battles, but that he had also enjoyed some success as a naval commander on Lake Champlain. Philbrick also tells us about the significance of the Siege of Fort Mifflin and how the courageous inhabitants of the fort thwarted British plans for control of the Delaware River. An especially interesting character in the book is the teenage soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, a diarist who is ubiquitous in his presence at many of the key moments of the story. His insight, offering the perspective of the rank and file soldier is very helpful in understanding the times. Other fascinating characters include Arnold's wife Peggy Shippen Arnold, British Major John Andre who played a major role in turning Arnold, and many of the other commanders on both sides of the conflict such as Nathaniel Greene, Horatio Gates, Henry Clinton and the Howe brothers.

At times this book reads like an action movie. I found the last part of the book, the story of Arnold's attempt to hand West Point over to the British and the capture of Major Andre, to be especially compelling reading. The author's passion for this story comes through very strongly, and the reader is the beneficiary. This is an outstanding example of how history makes for great reading and great story-telling, especially when written by an author with keen insight and passion for his subject.
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R Helen
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2018
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This idea of this book was to trace Benedict Arnold's role as one of the leading generals of the Revolutionary War to his descent into treason. As that story goes, it's pretty interesting. As a child I obviously knew of Arnold as America's most famous traitor, but here is his full story in all its complexities and Arnold comes out as not entirely unsympathetic. He wasn't treated well by the Continental Congress, and while that shouldn't excuse his behavior, it certainly explains why he might want to change sides. He just should have been open about it. Plenty of Americans were loyalists and for good reason and the black and white version of America's birth we learn in Elementary School is obviously simplistic.

But the main thrust of this book is the War and it's battles. I personally prefer social and political history; war doesn't interest me much. So, I don't enjoy reading about battles. But if you like this sort of thing, than Philbrick's book is well written and informative. There is a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, too. As I know we won in the end, that is obviously not a surprise, but i don't know the particulars. The book ends with Nethanael Greene writing a letter to his wife and heading South to confront Cornwallis. I had to look up what happens to him. If your knowledge of the War itself extends no more than fifth grade, like mine, than this was genuinely a suspenseful ending. Although I guess it wasn't intended that way.

Philbrick is a good writer, I loved his book on the Mayflower, and this one is worthwhile too. Just be aware, it's primarily a war book.
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Argyrios Pisiotis
5.0 out of 5 stars Another "must-read" for Philbrick fans and lovers of American history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2016
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Yet another thoroughly researched and majestically presented piece of American history by Philbrick. What makes reading this as well as his other books so fascinating is the masterful way in which he combines traditional kinds of historiography, such as political and diplomatic, with material history and biography -in other words his ability to literally resurrect the past and its characters in a most vivid manner.
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Cosmo lang
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth a glance!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2019
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Very pleased.
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