Benedict Arnold [Hardcover]

Barry K. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

While most biographies of Arnold concentrate on his revolutionary exploits and subsequent treason, Wilson explores his role in Canadian history and the routes that brought him to Canada. He takes the reader into rural Quebec in the 1760s and 1770s when Arnold toured the area as a Yankee trader and goes behind the scenes in 1775-76 when Arnold's American forces almost captured Quebec after an amazing trek through the Maine wilderness. Wilson explores Arnold's business exploits in Saint John, New Brunswick, the emerging Loyalist port town where for six years Arnold commanded an international trading network before returning to England. Written for those interested in unexpected tales from Canada's colourful history, Benedict Arnold follows Arnold's life from the battlefields of New England to the siege of Quebec, from the high seas to the day-to-day details of running a trading company in Saint John. Wilson offers a detailed, sometimes sympathetic, portrait of this controversial and complex man.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An engaging book. Wilson stimulates the reader's interest and empathy in the tale which he tells forcefully and wittily. This is an accomplished piece of writing, a good and interesting read." Peter Goheen, Department of Geography, Queen's University "A very enjoyable read." Eric Ross, Professor Emeritus of Geography, Mount Allison University

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press; 1St Edition edition (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 077352150X
• ISBN-13: 978-0773521506
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,098,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Biography of Benedict Arnold, May 23, 2001

By 

Christopher Hounsome "Music Shoehorn" (Ottawa, Ontario) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Benedict Arnold (Hardcover)

Mr. Wilson, a Canadian journalist, has done a remarkable job bringing the little-known aspects of Benedict Arnold to life.

He skillfully describes the political, personal and social factors which made Arnold the man that he was (both good and bad). The focus is on Arnold as an adult, following him through his days as a Yankee trader, as a superb General and leader of men, as a "turncoat", and then as a trader, husband, father and litigant. His years in eastern Canada and England are dealt with in some detail.

Like so many others, Benedict Arnold was, to me, more a symbol than a man. I knew the basic events surrounding the "incident", but virtually nothing else. Thanks to Barry Wilson, this is no longer the case.