PDF Valiant Ambition: George Washington; Benedict Arnold; and the Fate of the American Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick in History

Review

94 of 97 people found the following review helpful. but this is not his best effort. His story-telling style is still strong and ...By ron oThree stars is all I can give this work; and that really disappoints me.I am a huge fan of Revolutionary War biographies. And I am a huge Nathaniel Philbrick fan; but this is not his best effort. His story-telling style is still strong and his way of melding the story and history is still engaging. However; from the very start; this book emits an odd purpose to which the facts are stretched to fit. Washington is portrayed as a virtual incompetent; stumped and duped by Arnold and others at every turn; and Arnold as a lucky pretender who "almost" causes calamity before he finally fulfills his egomania as a traitor. These two pre-announced characterizations are repeated over and over again in furtherance of a theme: the Revolution hung by a thread with incompetence (and incompetents) abounding and circumstances falling just right. It seems like a strong revisionist intent about this War (or all wars?) over-whelmed the author's research.Other histories of Arnold supply much more detail on his personality; as well as on such things as the invasion of Canada; Valcour Island and Saratoga. I was left dismayed by this book's lack of detail and credit given to Arnold; which is replaced by character deprecating language speculating on his REAL motives at each step. Even more striking is how he does a similar thing with Washington who; if you read Chernow's account; is anything but the shallow-thinking reactive bungler that Philbrick portrays.I strongly suggest that ne read both: "Washington; A Life"; by Chernow and then Sterne's: "Patriot and Traitor". These two books give a much more balanced presentation of both characters and their pivotal roles in the War. They present the men as human beings; with many strengths and weaknesses; not as easily understood and criticized role players moving to their inevitable fate.Interestingly; in his earlier book; "Bunker Hill"; Philbrick treated another patriot very differently. Hepractically canonized Dr. Joseph Warren who was indeed a patriot; but in a very limited arena; in one colony; and for a very short time; calling him "indispensable" to the Revolution. And yet; Washington and Arnold who were largely responsible for the survival of the cause of 13 barely united colonies; and the only major victories the army had for nearly 4 years thereafter; as well as enticing the French into the War; are framed as lucky but flawed participants in a War that played out by chance. Odd?Might one suspect the author - a native of Nantucket - of being slightly Boston-ophobic? I urge you to read the other works about these two fascinating and important men and make up your own mind.128 of 135 people found the following review helpful. Riveting historyBy John E. DruryNathaniel Philbrick; in “Valiant Ambition;” skillfully weaves together two themes in this riveting history; the Revolutionary War from 1776 coupled with the highly successful and heroic military career and ultimate treason of Benedict Arnold in 1780. With a critique of Washington in the 1776 Battle of Long Island (more critical than Joseph Ellis’ in his “Revolutionary Summer”); through the strategic navigable importance of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain; the Battles of Ticonderoga; Fort Stanwix; Saratoga and Brandywine; the winter agony at Valley Forge; and less reported battles (e.g.; the Battle of Fort Mifflin); this fascinating history book is peppered with unbiased portraits of the military leaders from the Colonies (Washington; Schuyler; Gates; Greene) and the British (the Howes; Clinton; Andre’) with telling informative maps timed to the eighteenth century and placed in the appropriate chapters. Far more than a military history; the author deftly confronts the all but invisible line between loyalty to the Crown and loyalty to an emerging sense of American nationhood.The last hundred pages seamlessly turn to the background of Arnold’s quixotic personality; self- centeredness; need for money and his marriage to the unstable Peggy Shippen. The events of September – October; 1780 play out like an opera bouffe; and if they were not so serious; at times; comedic; leading to the accidental last mile seizure of John Andre’ thus to the uncovering of Arnold’s plot to turn over West Point to the British. Philbrick concludes that Arnold’s “decision to sell his loyalty to the highest bidder; the greatest danger to America’s future came from self–serving opportunism masquerading as patriotism.”The book ends as the fight for independence moves south. One might expect another book on that subject.92 of 96 people found the following review helpful. History at its best: the familiar made freshBy Laurence R. BachmannA good historian; like a good musician; will take familiar material and make it seem like you are discovering it for the first time. You think you know "God Bless America"; and then you hear Ray Charles sing it. You think you know the story of Benedict Arnold and then you read Nathaniel Philbrick's Valiant Ambition and become aware of chords and notes you hadn't connected with before. Philbrick's telling adds texture and nuance along with a fresh perspective that is both engaging and convincing. Interspersing the observations of Joseph Plumb Martin; a private in the Continental Army who seems to have been present for many of the War's highlights is inspired; reminding us those serving "great men" often have a different view of that greatness. The result is a delight to read.Many authors have portrayed the Arnold-Washington relationship from an Oedipal angle. Happily; Philbrick saves that interpretation for Washington's relationship with the Marquis de Lafayette who plays only a minor part in Valiant Ambition. This telling of Arnold and Washington focuses upon how similar the two men were--extraordinarily ambitious and determined to tie their fortunes to the nation's. Each soldier was; initially; impetuous and prone to risk--some would say recklessness--that their troops would pay for with their lives. At the outset at least it was Arnold who was the better soldier. Both suffered injustices and calumnies from intriguing antagonists and a suspicious Continental Congress.The difference between these very similar men was that one had the capability to learn from mistakes and to "grow in the job." Both were proud to a fault but only one had the ability to subordinate himself and at times his dignity to a cause greater than himself. "It was imperative that as commander in chief he [Washington] view the proceedings with as much objectivity as possible--to voice private sympathies in the context of an official proceeding--would require Washington to become; in his words; 'lost to my own character.' Here; in this reference to character; Washington hit upon the essential difference between himself and Arnold. Washington's sense of right and wrong existed outside the impulsive demands of his own self-interest." (pg. 246).It is this strength of character; character in contrast to a wanton narcissism that leads to the deification of one and the demonization of the other. For all the slights and injustices Arnold could justly decry it is impossible to argue America's most famous traitor doesn't deserve our contempt to this day. What is so refreshing about Valiant Ambition is it makes abundantly clear there is much to despise in America; circa 1776-1781. "Sunshine patriots" who; finding war difficult; decide to let others (slaves and immigrants) fight it for them; Chicken hawk generals like Horatio Gates who wrap themselves in another's glory and hightail it away when battles go badly; state legislators without the vision or the decency to feed and clothe an army of men literally starving or freezing to death on their behalf.Nathaniel Philbrick final insight is that Arnold did perform one last invaluable service for his country. His treachery awakened a nation to the fact that it had more in common with him than many would have liked to admit. Americans had grown complacent; self-absorbed and indifferent to those who were actually paying the price for liberty. Arnold's treason awoke the slackers and shamed the selfish into rededicating themselves to a cause they had; for all intents and purposes; abandoned. For that; we can all thank Benedict Arnold.