I started this book and read the first 15-20, then put it down to read several others, but finally finished over the last few days. I think this should be required reading for all Americans. In addition to primary sources originating from the usual suspects (Washington, Arnold, official records, etc.), Phillbrick used some interesting primary source materials from people we have not usually heard from, like a conscripted young private and ordinary citizens, which gave this account a richer context. There was at least one quote presented as fact that has been questioned by other historians, i.e., that Nathan Hale uttered the famous, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," just before he was hanged. No eyewitness written accounts of the hanging reported this statement, and some have speculated it was propaganda coming out of Washington's war council. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read that illuminates the political machinations and petty rivalries that nearly undid the Revolution. ( )

(2016) Second in the trilogy by the author about the Revolutionary War, this does not disappoint. Philbrick's narrative style is not stilted and very readable or in this case listenable. Basically concentrating on the excellent general Benedict Arnold and how he is inevitably led to treason when he turns coat against the US and becomes a pariah. KIRKUS: A history of the American Revolution, focused on George Washington (1732-1799) and Benedict Arnold (1741-1801), in which the author acknowledges Arnold's good points but does not fully rehabilitate him.National Book Award winner Philbrick (Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution, 2013, etc.) devotes almost equal time to Washington, in his eyes an incompetent general and a slow�although eventually successful¥learner but a superb judge of talent; he knew Arnold possessed plenty. As a militia captain at the 1775 siege of Boston, Arnold impressed Washington with his energy in capturing the fortress of Ticonderoga. His expedition to Quebec ended in disaster but burnished his reputation. In 1777, fearless leadership played a major role in defeating Gen. John Burgoyne at Saratoga. Arnold's self-regard ensured that success produced more enemies than admirers. Appointed military governor of Philadelphia in 1778, he was a controversial figure and began to profit from a variety of business deals related to his post. In 1779, he offered his services to the British and began sending useful intelligence. Only bad luck derailed his 1780 plot to surrender West Point to the British. In Philbrick's opinion, Arnold was a psychopath. Oblivious to the consequences of his actions, he was incredibly brave under fire. Peculation was common even among loyal Revolutionary officers, but Arnold's stood out. He exhausted his fortune to support his campaigns, lived beyond his means, and used his official position, especially in Philadelphia, to enrich himself. Payment dominated his negotiations with the British. After brilliantly chronicling two obscure voyages (In the Heart of the Sea, Sea of Glory), Philbrick turned to familiar subjects (Mayflower, Bunker Hill) with admirable, if slightly less, brilliance but better sales. Like the latter, Valiant Ambition is solid popular history.A lively account of our Revolution's most reviled figure.Pub Date: May 10, 2016ISBN: 978-0-525-42678-3Page Count: 448Publisher: Viking

Nathaniel Philbrick's writing style makes his books easy to follow and enjoyable to read. This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to understand the circumstances surrounding Benedict Arnold and his ultimate demise in the Continental Army and the fledgling United Colonies. ( )

The best written of the author’s series on the Revolutionary War. The author’s style is always popular as it is user-friendly, and never forgets the importance of telling a good story while at the same time imparting information. Unlike at least one of his previous books, which I believed sometimes got lost in a necessary detail, this book captures the complex times well and still flows smoothly.

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Saratoga campaign and the machinations involving Benedict Arnold and Major Andre in the West Point debacle.

Recommended. ( )

Non-fiction about two ambitious men during the American Revolution covering the period 1776 – 1780, highlighting the similarities and differences between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. The book reveals the temperament and character of each man, which ultimately resulted in one being viewed a hero and the other a villain. Each is depicted as passionate and valiant, but only one retains a moral compass. It is told in two parts. In the first half, the author sets the stage, describing military battles, troop movements, and strategy. It furnishes the background and context for the reader. The second half picks up momentum, covering Arnold’s treachery and its immediate aftermath. It goes into depth on what happened, how, and why. The author illuminates factors that may have contributed to Arnold’s traitorous actions. I wanted to learn more about the life of Benedict Arnold, and this book filled the bill.

I thought one of the best aspects of this book was the way in which the inner turmoil of the emerging country was portrayed. At this point in U.S. history, there was no way to raise money to support the army except to obtain funds from the states. The starvation at Valley Forge was due to this lack of funds. The executive and judicial branches did not exist. The legislators engaged in power struggles which tended to take precedence over coming to agreement on a course of action. They were wary of providing too much support for a standing army, wanting to ensure the government remained in civilian hands. In addition, since citizens were not united in their desire for independence, the various factions fought each other in “neutral ground” in several states.

The book delivers accessible narrative, meticulous maps, captioned images of people and places, footnotes on each chapter, an extensive bibliography, and an index. It provided insight into the personalities of these historic figures, what motivated them, and how they handled conflict. My only quibbles were that the first half goes into a bit too much description of the military battles for my taste and the ending was very sudden, apparently leaving room for a follow-up. I had to page back to see if I had missed something. Content includes executions and war-related violence. Recommended to those interested in learning more about the American Revolution, prominent people involved, and what really happened.

This book serves as a cautionary commentary about the dangers of “self-serving opportunism masquerading as patriotism” – a lesson we can still use today. ( )