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12th out of 67 books
—
91 voters
Rabble in Arms
The second of Roberts's epic novels of the American Revolution, Rabble in Arms was hailed by one critic as the greatest historical novel written about America upon its publication in 1933. Love, treachery, ambition, and idealism motivate an unforgettable cast of characters in a magnificent novel renowned not only for the beauty and horror of its story but also for its hist...more
Paperback, 586 pages
Published
January 1st 1996
by Down East Books
(first published 1933)
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293rd out of 725 books
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581 voters
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Disappointing. I had done some online research looking for a good novel set during the American Revolution, and this is the novel that many people recommended. I bought the whole trilogy and read Arundel first. Arundel dealt with the attempt to capture Quebec city, and this sequel continues with the fighting on and around Lake Champlain leading to the eventual defeat of Burgoyne, the general who said the colonial army was a "rabble in arms." Maybe one shouldn't read two of these close together o...more
While I'm not much for historical novels, this is such a classic that I read it for a bimonthly piece I do for a military magazine. Although I grew up in NY state where history is much more about the Revolution than the Civil War, I didn't realize just how important Lake Champlain was to the Revolutionary War in the north. The "rabble" of the title comes from a sneering comment by the British General Burgoyne about the Colonists army which was "half-fed, half-armed and half-dressed" since Congre...more
If you only read one book about the American revolution, this wouldn't be a bad choice. This is a stirring, well-researched account of the Saratoga campaign, told mainly by fictional characters, some of whom return from Roberts's earlier novel Arundel. As in Arundel, Benedict Arnold is a prominent character.
If the book has any flaw, it's the way Roberts bends over backwards to defend Arnold, who changed sides soon after the events described in this book. The effort to rehabilitate Arnold's repu...more
If the book has any flaw, it's the way Roberts bends over backwards to defend Arnold, who changed sides soon after the events described in this book. The effort to rehabilitate Arnold's repu...more
Terrific book, as expected, though, somewhat surprisingly, I think I liked van Wyck's The Young Titan better even though Roberts is the better-known author. There was one fabulous line at the end, though. Roberts was a native and long-time resident of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine, where I now reside. The narrator in this book, toward the end, says "in ... Maine ... folk content themselves with looking bleak when deeply moved." I nearly died laughing because almost all stereotypes such as t...more
I have read and re-read this amazing title, along with it's prequel Arudel several times. Written 6 decades ago, it still is vibrant and alive, the characters are full of life, and become favorites. The bluff good hearted Cap Huff, old Doc Means and the rest of the cast are the types of literary heroes, "ordinary men doing extraordinary things" that inspire. I was particularly drawn to the story of Benedict Arnold, the man and the hero. While he was America's first 'traitor', his story, while Ro...more
Rabble in Arms takes place during the American Revolution and tells the story of the American retreat from Quebec, following their trouncing by the British, all the way to the battle of Saratoga, where they trounced the British back. There are many great battles as the Americans retreat, beset by hunger, indians, smallpox, and many other ills. Roberts did a spectacular job following every twist and turn in this story, and in my copy there was a map that enabled one to follow events spacially. Th...more
Even better than the book before it. Thus far it is Roberts at his best. The book shined when Benedict Arnold is present. Cap Huff and Doc Means will hold your attention. Like most of his other work this lead is fairly bland and only made interesting by interaction with the more interesting supporting cast.
Those wanting an enriched experience should read With Musket and Tomahawk by Lougsz first. One also needs to read Arundel first
Those wanting an enriched experience should read With Musket and Tomahawk by Lougsz first. One also needs to read Arundel first
Oct 15, 2011
Tomw
added it
I have been a fan of Roberts' fiction since high school. His writing style is intelligent, and he brings dusty historical characters into fresh light. My favorite novel of his is "Oliver Wiswell", which recounts the British side of The American Revolution. This novel is about Benedict Arnold, who the author thinks was given quite a "bad rap" in history books.
Possibly my favorite book! This is a sequel to "Arundel". This is a great historical novel about the Revolutionary War. Characters really come to life, and a great deal of time was spent researching the details in this book. I strongly recommend reading!
This was one of my all time favorite books. The author also wrote Arundel, which I have also read. Both novels are extremely well written and enjoyable "historical" novels.
One will never look at war again without realizing the staunchness of the human spirit and that any war is a far more personal event than generally thought.
Reread three times.
Reread three times.
Aug 05, 2011
Sarah Murphy
added it
I know it's a classic and is well-known for being so very historically accurate, but it was a difficult read. I would recommend only to Revolutionary War buffs.
Feb 10, 2013
James Valentine
added it
a favorite from childhood days, still enjoy it on occasion and the many other works of Roberts
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! it's all about the revolutionary war, best book on it!!!!!!!!!!
One of the most underrated historical novels ever. Talk about a page-turner.
Better than Northwest Passage but not as good as Arundel.
Jan 11, 2010
Kevin
is currently reading it
So far so good. It's about the Revolutionary War.
Another kenneth roberts book I love!!
Picks up the story from Arundel and follows those Mainers who fight alongside Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War as they try to defend Ticonderoga. Interesting comparison to today's war. Congress has its head up its ass then, too, failing to support our troops with sufficient arms and supplies, trashing generals like Arnold who knew what they were doing, and promoting sycophants and dilettantes who didn't. Arnold may have sold out to the British out of shear frustration with the stupid...more
Just starting this book. Am enjoying it so far two Americans in Britain at the start of the Revolution encounter an American/French woman and her Canadian Uncle. The protagonists have found a berth on board a French frigate returning to the States...
You know, this book started out OK and it may get better, but I'm 300 pages into a 900 page book and it just is going nowhere. I'm sure it goes somewhere, but I'd rather not read a book about the Revolution that takes as long as the Revolution.
Required reading for U.S. history in high school--I think this teacher thought we might retain more if we read an historical fiction about the Revolution as we tried to learn all the facts--this is a great read and from what I have learned over the years Roberts did his homework on the facts.
I've really liked everything I've read by Kenneth Roberts. Very interesting stories about early American history. This one is full of adventure, battles, romance - great info about Benedict Arnold.
Historical Novel. Loyalist view of the revolution.
fascinating
May 21, 2013
Kathy
marked it as to-read
May 17, 2013
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
May 16, 2013
Christine
marked it as to-read
May 14, 2013
Veronika
added it
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Jul 14, 2009 09:34pm