The Real Benedict Arnold
Buy the Book:Amazon
Published by: Clarion Books
Release Date: September 17, 2007
Pages: 272
ISBN13: 978-0395776094
Overview
A SLJ Best Book of the Year
An ALA Booklist Best Biography of the Year
There’s no question that Benedict Arnold was an American army officer who switched his loyalty to the British side during the American Revolution. Over the years, though, Arnold’s unsavory reputation has been fed by historians, partisans, and gossips who distorted or ignored factual details, molding Arnold’s story to suit their own purposes. Few have been interested in acknowledging his many achievements, or in exploring the events and circumstances that led to his infamous act of national betrayal.
Drawing on Arnold’s surviving writings and the letters, memoirs, and political documents of his contemporaries, The Real Benedict Arnold builds a fascinating portrait of a brilliant man, consistently undervalued by his peers, who made a choice that continues to reverberate through American history.
Packed with military adventure and political intrigue, this tautly written account shows the human side of an American villain and seeks the man behind the rumors and legends: the real Benedict Arnold.
Praise and Awards
A SLJ Best Book of the Year
An ALA Booklist Best Biography of the Year
2008 Cream of the Crop
A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
“The comprehensive text and excellent supporting graphics piece together a thrilling look at the American Revolution and its successes and failures.”
—SLJ (Starred Review)
“Perhaps we can never know the real Arnold, but this splendid biography brings us close….fascinating reading.”
—Booklist (Starred Review)
“As always, Murphy’s prose is clear and detailed. An important addition to collections on the American Revolution.”
—Kirkus
“Jim Murphy, who hit a home run in 2003 with An American Plague…does an impressive job with a less obviously enthralling subject in The Real Benedict Arnold…Murphy succeeds in animating the man-“brilliant soldier,” husband and father-behind the mask of the reviled Revolutionary War traitor.”
—The Washington Post
“While tracing Arnold’s life, Murphy challenges the myths [and] provides readers with the opportunity to predict, discover and reflect….The author’s consideration of other historians’ theories and use of sophisticated vocabulary will challenge his audience to think critically and consider all points of view.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Jim Murphy has done it again — crafted a work of non-fiction so compelling that it will keep kids hooked like an action-packed novel. Murphy asks important questions about the man whose name has become synonymous with the word “traitor” and explores those questions with an open mind and an eye for historical detail. This is a fascinating book.
Just as Murphy’s AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is a perfect complement to Laurie Halse Anderson’s FEVER, this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for teachers looking to add some non-fiction to classroom libraries and discussions.”
—Kate’s Book Blog