Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered

by James Kirby Martin

Book Overview

An extensively researched account of the infamous Benedict Arnold, framed in Martin's biography as a hero rather than a traitor

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814755607
• ISBN13: 9780814755600
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 558 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The definitive source on Benedict Arnold's early life to his betrayal

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.

The Real Story of America

Martin is the foremost authority on this period in our history. He also manages to be the only historian I have read yet that handled the Arnold Expedition to Quebec with the accuracy and depth it deserves. Martin speaks of my grandfather Major Reuben Colburn with fairness and awards him the credit for his efforts in supplying, leading and maintaining the mission denied him by historians through the ages. Many merely used Colburn as a scapegoat for the failure of the effort, but not Martin. His research revealed the truth as such an effort so often does should an author choose that path, and I applaud him for it. He has also backed me in my effort to convince the National Park Service to grant Colburn House in Pittston, Maine "Landmark" status. Jim Martin is an ally I value greatly, and a man who knows what he is talking about.

Excellent concept, well presented.

It's an obvious concept if you think about it: our automatic thought when we hear the name "Benedict Arnold" is clearly a matter of perspective, not simple truth. The victors write the histories. Had Britain won the war, Arnold would have been, at worst, someone who saw the writing on the wall and got out while the getting was good, and at best, a prodigal son who'd seen the light and returned to the fold, renouncing his treason against king and country.The first beauty of this book is that by simply existing, it forces you TO think about it; most people never do. But beyond that, it gives a meticulous history of the man, admitting his flaws (he was ambitious and more than a bit prickly about what he saw as slurs on his personal honor) but also pointing out the many positives that most Americans are completely unaware of: he was one of the greatest generals in the rebel cause, generous, courageous, honorable, and brilliant. So why did this man turn against the cause he'd fought for? Partly because he was disillusioned by the behavior towards himself and others by what he saw as a congress interested more in political connections than competence in awarding military honors, partly because he came to believe that said congress's incompetence rendered the American cause unwinnable. An error, and a serious one, but one which must be balanced against the fact that his contributions at the battle of Saratoga were largely responsible for the American victory.A fascinating study into a seriously overlooked subject in American history. A must-read.

Objective assessment of America's first tragic figure.

I began this book with the preconceived notion that I think most American's have that Arnold had absolutely no redeeming qualities. This book dispels that myth but at the same time offers no apology for Arnold's treason. The extent of James Kirby Martin's research and analysis is the book's strongest point. Up until Arnold's treason, his contributions to the American Revolution were substantial yet largely unappreciated. Martin documents in great detail the heroic and selfless actions taken by Arnold in the early part of the war, and then dissects Arnold's disillusionment with the independence movement and descent into betrayal. Arnold's distaste for the independence movement centered on the Continental Congress, where decisions were made to placate regional interests and to appease petty egos rather than to reward meritorious conduct on the battlefield. The ironic thing is that Arnold had the unwavering loyalty of the one person who counted: George Washington. Arnold was unable to appreciate this. Washington, like Arnold, had his many detractors in the Congress, yet Washington, unlike Arnold, was not consumed by it in the end. This book is not an apology for Benedict Arnold's attempt to hand West Point over to the British. Rather, it is a compelling acknowledgement that Arnold was a complex individual who had many virtuous qualities and who poured every ounce of his being into the quest for independence until he was consumed by his disillusionment. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all persons who are interested in American History. James Kirby Martin challenges what we learn about Benedict Arnold as children, yet never requires us to conclude that Arnold's treason was either laudable or excusable.

fantastic

Finally, somebody has the guts to tell Arnold's story correctly. not and easy thing to do, but needed.