"Benedict Arnold - An American Warrior Reconsidered" by James Kirby Martin


Item Number: 233

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"Distinguished historian James Kirby Martin's landmark biography, the result of a decade's labor, stands as an invaluable antidote to this historical distortion."


"Benedict Arnold stands as one of the most vilified figures in American history. Stories of his treason have so come to define him that his name, like that of Judas, is virtually synonymous with treason.


Yet Arnold was one of the most heroic and remarkable men of his time, indeed in all of American history. A brilliant military leader of uncommon bravery, Arnold dedicated himself to the Revolutionary cause, sacrificing family life, health, and financial well-being for a conflict that left him physically crippled, sullied by false accusations, and profoundly alienated from the American cause of liberty. By viewing Arnold's life backward through the prism of his treason, we invariably succumb to the demonizations that arose only after his abandonment of the rebel forces. We thereby overlook his critical role as one of the influential actors in the American Revolution.


Distinguished historian James Kirby Martin's landmark biography, the result of a decade's labor, stands as an invaluable antidote to this historical distortion. Careful not to endow the Revolutionary generation with mythical proportions of virtue, Martin shows how self-serving, venal behavior was just as common in the Revolutionary era as in our own time. Arnold, a deeply committed patriot, suffered acutely because of his lack of political savvy in dealing with those who attacked his honor and reputation. Tracing Arnold's life, from his difficult childhood through his grueling winter trek across the howling Maine wilderness, his valiant defense of Lake Champlain, and his crucial role in the Quebec and Saratoga campaigns, Martin has given us an entirely new perspective on this dramatic and exceptional life, set against the tumultuous background of the American Revolution."

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"The definitive source on Benedict Arnold's early life to his betrayal,
 April 28, 2006




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This review is from: Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered (Paperback)


James Kirby Martin presents a fascinating view of Benedict Arnold, from his birth and early years, through his wartime exploits, up to his betrayal. The book succeeds on many levels. For one, it forces the reader to confront certain truths that have been obscured by the fog of history - namely that Benedict Arnold, until his betrayal, was an American hero, one of the rebels' greatest generals. In this way, while I don't view Arnold sympathetically for his betrayal, I see him now as the lead role in a real life Greek tragedy. He could have been among the greatest of our Founders. Moreover, the book does not excuse Arnold's treason, but does explain it and put it in context. If for no other reason than historical accuracy, it is important for students of history to know why Arnold committed treason.



The book was masterfully written and meticulously researched. Along the line of research, one final word. This book spurred me to research and review a number of the sources cited by Martin. A previous reviewer criticized Martin for failing to cite the novels of Kenneth Roberts. This criticism is, to put it charitably, invalid. First, a novel is a work of fiction. This book is non-fiction, and while Roberts's novels are highly acclaimed, they are still fiction. It makes no sense to cite fiction when writing non-fiction. Second, Roberts did compile a number of diaries and memoirs entitled March to Quebec: Journals of the Members of Arnold's Expedition (1938). This source is non-fiction and in fact is cited by Martin at page 435 and 460-80. Finally, a review of this book in the New York Times Book Review notes that this book often crosses paths with Roberts's works of fiction, and that this book is a "fine successor to those splendid books."



This book truly is the definitive source on Benedict Arnold's early life, wartime exploits and ultimate betrayal of the colonial forces. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in American history."