The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery

Sheinkin, Steve. The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery.  Roaring Book Press, New York: 2010. 337 pages. Tr. $19.99 ISBN 9781596434868

Annotation

Sheinkin’s The Notorious Benedict Arnold presents another side to America’s first and most infamous traitor. 

Review

Benedict Arnold went from being one of America’s greatest heroes to being America’s greatest traitor.  Arnold was a fearless leader who never hesitated to engage in battle alongside his men.  Despite being a bold leader Arnold was quick to anger and impulsive, often disobeying orders from superiors.  While Arnold won many decisive battles for the patriots, he was not duly rewarded for these feats by the Continental Army.  He was passed over repeatedly for promotions, which led to Arnold being more difficult to get along with.  After a disastrous diplomatic post in Philadelphia, Arnold started plotting to turn against America.  He convinced General Washington to give him the appointment supervising West Point, which Arnold then plotted to hand over to the British.  Arnold’s plan was foiled however, when his British contact was captured.  Arnold managed to escape, but he never lived down the shame of turning on his countrymen. 

Awards/Honors

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults 2011

Front and Back Matter

TOC, Source Notes, Quotation Notes, Index, Various Maps

Author’s Website

http://stevesheinkin.com/