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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Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
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
Rule 62 Ken
Author's Passion Makes for Excellent History
Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2016
Argyrios Pisiotis
Another "must-read" for Philbrick fans and lovers of American history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2016