26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this book, not the Publisher's Weekly review of it., May 12, 2005
This review is from: The French War Against America: How a Trusted Ally Betrayed Washington and the Founding Fathers (Hardcover)
I heartily recommend this book and couldn't disagree more with the tendentious review from Publishers Weekly. Unger's documentation is available in his book with endnotes for anyone truly interested to investigate. The Publisher's Weekly review lacks any such counter attempt to actually provide references of Unger's supposed errors. The review takes certain of Unger's adjectives out of context in an attempt to suggest that Unger
is just name-calling. This is an unworthy ploy designed to seduce the casual reader.
Unger uses hard data in making his case against the French but the Publisher's Weekly review would have one believe he relies on adjectives alone. This is an inaccurate and incomplete description of what Unger actually does, but the charge of "argument by adjective" is exactly what is done by the reviewer in criticizing Unger. The Publisher's Weekly review relies primarily on adjectives or conclusory statements such as: "provocative but flawed," "not-startling," "exaggerates,"and "shrill," which serve as a feeble substitutes for any reliably significant commentary on the book.
Unger details, with more than adequate documentation, French efforts to topple George Washington, French efforts to invade Louisiana, French efforts to betray the American peace negotiators after the Revolutionary War, as well as other examples of French treachery. What the book details is a string of French actions designed specifically to harm the United States. Intentionally and deceptively taking steps to harm an "ally" is accepted by the Publisher's Weekly review as France simply basing "its diplomacy on its perceived self-interests." The Publisher's Weekly review is fraudulent and I am confident that in any debate, Unger would shred the reviewer. Of course, that debate won't happen as "bologna fears the grinder."
I have no problem with critical reviews, and when they are well-done, they enhance what I get out of a book. Neither the Publisher's Weekly reviewer's adjectives nor conclusory comments serve to advance the discussion of a very interesting topic for both the historian and political observer. I stand by my recommendation of the book and welcome hard evidence of any errors that the book might contain - adjectives will not suffice.
While the bulk of the book focuses on the period just before, during and after the Revolutionary War, Unger also gives some attention to more modern events. He discusses the phenomenon of current French leaders all being ENARCHS or graduates of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA plus the Latin/Greek suffix "arch" meaning "chief,")
Here are some examples of insights he shares:
"... enarchs have badly undermined the French economy by discouraging free enterprise, limiting investments in creative genius and modern invention, stunting expansion of the arts and sciences, and discouraging individual initiative. Harvard University's endowment alone, for example, is more than double the combined annual budgets of all universities in France. " p. 251
"Impotent or not, France and the French continue to plot against
America. As de Villepin boasts, "France is obsessed with power . . . galvanized by conquest. It is a national disease passed down through the ages . . . we have never learned to live in partnership . . . France is still aflame with the passions of a great nation, fervently defending her rightful place in history." p. 252.
This book combines great historical research with fascinating insights into modern day events. A great read for those with an interest in these areas.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, January 5, 2011
This review is from: The French War Against America: How a Trusted Ally Betrayed Washington and the Founding Fathers (Hardcover)
If you're a history buff of the early settling of our country through the War of 1812 you'll be fascinated by this book.
Again like the Loyalist view of the Revolutionary War this is a subject never addressed in our elementary or high school education.
We as Americans should be most appreciative for France's participation on land and particularly at sea in support of the colonists in the war against the British Crown. However, as this book points out it was hardly an altruistic effort by the French.
France had every intention re-establishing their influence on the North American continent once the British were defeated. Their plans to accomplish this not only greatly added to my historical knowledge but makes a great story of foreign intrigue; better than anything on TV today.
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5 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The French War Against America: How a Trusted Ally Betrayed Washington and the Founding Fathers, September 19, 2005
This review is from: The French War Against America: How a Trusted Ally Betrayed Washington and the Founding Fathers (Hardcover)
I have read this book by Unger as well as his book "Lafayette". Both are written with a great deal of detail and insight with out being dry or boring. Mr. Unger has a great ability to keep the story flowing. You will not loose interest in ether of the books.
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