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George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots
by
Fateful turns, choices and escapes from certain death dominate this captivating story of the most compelling figures of the Revolutionary War. When General George Washington appointed Benedict Arnold military commander of the Philadelphia region, military historian Palmer argues, he was not only making one of the worst personnel decisions of his career, but was also creati
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Hardcover, 424 pages
Published
August 1st 2006
by Regnery History
(first published January 1st 2006)
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Showing 1-30
I've read several books dealing with the lives of both of these men. While Mr.Palmer's book offers nothing particularly new about Washington (how could it considering how exhaustively his life has been examined?) it is the best treatment of Arnold I have read to date. This book chronicles Arnold's metamorphosis from selfless patriot hero to self-serving treacherous villain in vivid detail. Palmer also makes a convincing case for the complicity of Mrs. Arnold in the general's plot. I am hoping a
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Feb 15, 2008
Julie
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
personal growth, business mgmt, military history
Shelves:
politics
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A very interesting, and easy to read contrast between Washington and Arnold. Although there were no footnotes, sources, or bibliography, it was filled with facts conveyed in such a way to make them highly interesting and easy to remember. The author had fun pointing out the irony that surrounded the events and people involved, making history engaging. I've read at least three biographies on Benedict Arnold, each filled with sources and footnotes, and didn't enjoy any of those near as much as thi
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This was dull as dust. There’s a real need out there for a great biography of Benedict Arnold. This isn’t it.
This was very well written. It held my attention on a subject I never thought to be interesting, American history.
It's rather a sad story. Had Benedict Arnold died in 1778 he would have gone down as one of the great military generals of the Revolutionary War. But his erratic, selfish nature did him in. It was also interesting to read about the backstabbing and pettiness that existed back then. Not much has changed. At its core the book was about two people with very different character traits. While Washington is all but deified by Americans, Benedict Arnold's courage in the beginning of the War was oversha
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Jun 16, 2016
Philip Cosand
added it
This is a nice enough introduction to Arnold and Washington.
Most of what I know about Washington comes from passed-down cultural knowledge and Washington's Spies (look up book).
I had no idea that Arnold was such a daredevil. I didn't know that he was a brilliant and bold fighter. I certainly didn't know that he was a brilliant businessman and widely respected. Y'know, before that whole betrayal thing.
Palmer does a solid job of setting up the two main characters, telling you just enough about the ...more
Most of what I know about Washington comes from passed-down cultural knowledge and Washington's Spies (look up book).
I had no idea that Arnold was such a daredevil. I didn't know that he was a brilliant and bold fighter. I certainly didn't know that he was a brilliant businessman and widely respected. Y'know, before that whole betrayal thing.
Palmer does a solid job of setting up the two main characters, telling you just enough about the ...more
I enjoyed the read. I am an American expat and have had much less American history in my schooling than the typical American does. I also live in Canadian the city Benedict Arnold moved to. I regularly visit the Second Cup coffee shop next door to where his home sat. I soaked in this book.
I am bothered by a couple of points. Mr. Palmer takes the typical American stance that Arnold is an evil, American traitor. His text reads rather neutral, until the late stages, and he actually devotes more pri ...more
I am bothered by a couple of points. Mr. Palmer takes the typical American stance that Arnold is an evil, American traitor. His text reads rather neutral, until the late stages, and he actually devotes more pri ...more
A great read! I read this about 3 years ago. It is fascinating to read about the friendship between these two men. I didn't know anything about Arnold before reading this. I was unaware of why he became a traitor. And, to be honest, I can empathize with his anger. It's got to be difficult to be responsible for so many lives, yet the government can't or won't provide for their needs. Given the times, I can understand the government's very limited funds. Yet, I can see how Arnold became disenchant
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I enjoyed Dave Palmer's treatment of both Arnold and Washington. Previously, the most I knew about Washington came from touring Mount Vernon and the most I heard about Arnold concerned his traitorous acts. Palmer shows Arnold's daredevil side along with his brilliant and bold fighting spirit. I appreciated reading about Benedict Arnold's astute business sense and how he enjoyed great respect i his community. I certainly didn't know that he was a brilliant businessman and widely respected. Y'know
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This is a most appropriate read for anyone interested in learning about, not just these two patriots, the story of our country before and during our quest for independence. Dave Palmer lays out the events and places in a way that kept me craving to know and understand what comes next and why. The book climaxes with the details of Arnold's treason and how he lived after his deception became evident to all. The words describing the unparalleled leader, George Washington, are superb and left me wit
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First off, the bad news. The Audible version of this book is not very good. Lots of strange skips, hiccups, and short passages reread. Audible needs to reedit this product.
Now the good news. Great book. While there's not a lot of new information about either Washington or Arnold in the book, the approach of looking at the careers of these two men in parallel is interesting and refreshing.
The author also does a great job at the end of the book looking at how each of these men embodies the idea ...more
Now the good news. Great book. While there's not a lot of new information about either Washington or Arnold in the book, the approach of looking at the careers of these two men in parallel is interesting and refreshing.
The author also does a great job at the end of the book looking at how each of these men embodies the idea ...more
This is an amazing book that I learned so much history from. I found out the war between England and the colonies began in 1776. It went for 4 years. Arnold fought diligently for the US but was picked on by other soldiers that were jealous of him or didn't like his style. The author made it feel like the US treated him poorly and he became so mad that he became a traitor right at the very end of the war.
Aug 13, 2015
Sarah
added it
I didn't even finish this book and I don't even think I can rate it. I was disturbed not to find any source material listed. I also was disappointed when I found that it was more a history of of the Revolution with bits of Washington and Arnold's personal stories, instead of the reverse. Not a great book for someone who is serious about research.
This book was extremely interesting because of where I live. So much of the Revolutionary War was fought close by me and I'm familiar with their locations. I also learned much more than I'd ever known before about Benedict Arnold. Though what he did was wrong, after reading the book one can see how he might have felt justified in what he was doing.
A very well written book. The author is not necessarily giving historical facts here as much as he is using history to show how certain events can lead two different men to very different destinies. He really sums it up excellently at the end with a befitting quote about character. This is a remarkably well written book.
A fine, fine story of Benedict Arnold, and how he came to become the most notorious traitor in US history. I never knew what a military genius he was, nor how Congress completely screwed him over. While not justifying his behavior, the context around his life was eye-opening and educational. I enjoyed it very much!
This book is absolutely fantastic. The parallels between these two great men are amazing. Many people think they know the story of Washington and Arnold because of what they may have learned in History class but this book takes it to another level.
Great book that gives you a in depth look into the character of these two men. I never knew the role that Benedict Arnold played in the American Revolution and that he was a patriot General before he betrayed America. I recommend this to everyone.
This was an interesting book. Unfortunately, I was expecting a little more out of it. There was nothing new in terms of historical significance that came as a result of this book. The author just recounts the same story that has been told for a long time. It is entertaining at least.
Embarrassed to say that I never knew exactly why Benedict Arnold turned traitor. This is a really interesting book that will deepen your appreciation for how great a person Washington was, and give you all the info on Benedict Arnold. A must read if you are an American!
not a bad little book. has a lot of detail and does a good job of describing the circumstances that existed around washington and arnold. i feel a bit of bias in the read, but it is enjoyable to see the relationship between these two men of history
An excellent jumping off point -- well written, and gives a good overview of Washington & Arnold's lives. However, a bit fast with facts -- I should say: it doesn't document many of its claims, so I'm a bit skeptical of where the conclusions are coming from.
An enjoyable and illuminating read, Mr. Palmer separately tells the stories of both patriots as they each blaze their own path, until they artfully converge at the end, bringing the story to full focus.
Didn't realize how little I knew about George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Revolutionary War before I read this. Fascinating history.
A fairly good dual biographical sketch and the story of the relationship between these two men.
A history book that reads like a great novel. Although I've studied both men in school, this books gives a lot of insight into each of them.
Following a stirring trip to Williamsburg, VA.. I read this book. Many life parallels! Thought provoking!
Very well written and chronicled.
I dont want to do this...
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