Mrs. B's Read to Lead Blog: The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Summary: The Notorious Benedict Arnold tells the story of one of America's bravest revolutionary leaders and most notorious traitor. Born in Norwich, CT young Benedict Arnold came from a once prominent family that fell into disarray as his father fell on hard times financially. While away at boarding school (Yale) he lost his sister to Yellow Fever driving his father to alcoholism that worsened upon the death of his mother. Since they could no longer afford schooling, his mother set him up with an apprenticeship as an apothecary and tradesman. He joined the military at this point but when is mother got sick he deserted to take care of her. After his father's death he forever took care of his only living sibling, Hannah.

Upon finishing his apprenticeship he became a very successful merchant in New Haven, CT marrying his wife, Margaret, who bared three sons. Like many colonists, the Stamp Act and other British taxation began to degrade his business so he decided to join the military and the Revolutionary War.

Arnold's military in the service of the United States was distinguished but filled with controversy. He lead the war into Canada and the siege of Quebec and showed to be incredibly brave and bold. While there, his wife died. He technically built and led America's first Navy on Lake Champlain where he successfully held the British Navy at bay and in the second battle of Saratoga he again saved the Revolutionary Army with a fit of brilliance.

While Washington loved Arnold, his fame grew too much and he got caught up in the constant bickering with Congress. His injuries at Saratoga were so grave that he was assigned to be the military governor of Philadelphia where he had some shady financial dealings and married a Tory who eventually supported him in his final betrayal. Disgraced by being passed over and constantly harassed by both the Pennsylvania legislature and the Continental Congress, Arnold was convinced (in part due to his mounting debt) to betray the American forces and General Washington. Due to a few mishaps and lucky situations for the Americans, Arnold's plot was thwarted and luckily discovered. While he was named a British Officer and served England for a number of years, he died unknown and unremarkable in England years after the betrayal.

Sheinkin, S. (2010). The notorious Benedict Arnold. New York: Macmillan.

Commentary: Arnold was a very proud, brave, energetic and brilliant. His past however also created a man that was prideful and easily angered. The tragedies early in his life compounded by the challenges (embarrassment of his father) had a profound impact on his life. The things that lead him to become a great fighting general and the man Washington loved also created conflicts making him a political liability. The constant slights and financial pressures due to this probably lead him to his betrayal. He was a staunch advocate of the American cause but the influence of his second wife along with constantly being slighted had a large impact on his psyche. If Arnold had stayed loyal he might have been known as one of the bravest US commanders behind Washington. Washington actually offered him leadership of his left flank but he had already made his deal with the British and chose West Point to divide the US army and hopefully cause their downfall. Ultimately, Arnold's conflict between honor and pride became his downfall.

The only memorial left to him is the leg he gave in the battle of Saratoga. At some far flung area of the Saratoga battlefield is a statue of a leg, the one Arnold gave in the service of the American cause there. At one point either Washington or one of his men said that "His leg was a hero and patriot, and the rest of him was a traitor".

Connections: I would consider this book a Non-Fiction Informational Biography about the real life of Benedict Arnold and the situations that created his eventual betrayal. Although it mainly focused on Arnold and his life it also provided insights into the key players in his life and the plot to deliver Washington to the British. The book does a good job describing the events, pressures and situations that lead Arnold to his eventual betrayal. The book takes Benedict Arnold through his young life into adulthood. There are many themes of confrontation and significant life changes (deaths, changes in career, etc.) impacting a very independent-minded Arnold. The book also includes few fully developed characters and eventually focuses on the consequences of his actions.

The link to the author's page for Steven Sheinkin. Sheinkin was originally a textbook author and tried his hand as a documentary filmmaker which didn't work out. He now writes about historical figures and situations.

Book Trailer