The Tragedy of Benedict Arnold - by Joyce Lee Malcolm (Paperback)

About the Book

A vivid and timely re-examination of one of young America's most complicated figures: the war hero turned infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold.

Book Synopsis

A vivid and timely re-examination of one of young America's most complicated figures: the war hero turned infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold.

History remembers this proud, talented, and conflicted man solely through the lens of his last desperate act of treason. Yet the fall of Benedict Arnold remains one of the Revolutionary period's great puzzles. Why did a brilliant military commander, who repeatedly risked his life fighting the British, who was grievously injured in the line of duty, and fell into debt personally funding his own troops, ultimately became a traitor to the patriot cause? Throughout, Malcolm weaves in portraits of Arnold's great allies--George Washington, General Schuyler, his beautiful and beloved wife Peggy Shippen, and others--as well as his unrelenting enemy John Adams, British General Clinton, and master spy John Andre. Thrilling and thought-provoking, The Tragedy of Benedict Arnold sheds new light on a man--as well on the nuanced and complicated time in which he lived.

Review Quotes

Acknowledges and builds on more than a century of writings on the subject, bringing a fresh perspective by making use of resources only recently discovered. A compelling read for anyone interested in early American biographies.

An attempt to bring understanding, if not forgiveness, to the story of Benedict Arnold. Examining a variety of primary sources, Malcolm dives further into the psyche of the man synonymous with the word 'traitor.'

Malcolm does for Benedict Arnold what Ron Chernow did for Alexander Hamilton, reexamining and redeeming a complex historical figure. Though Malcolm's tome is not as lengthy as Chernow's, she does an excellent job of transforming American history's best-known villain into a war hero who loved his country so much that he gave his heart, soul, and body to the American cause during the Revolutionary War. This adventurous, entertaining read will appeal to a broad audience, and book clubs will thoroughly enjoy this game-changer, a multilayered reassessment of a long misunderstood American.

Solid. A readable account of a remarkable life.