John Stark: Maverick General (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: ranger companies, New Hampshire, John Stark, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Author Ben Z. Rose brings to life the legendary hero of the New England Militia during America s War of Independence. Born in Colonial New Hampshire to Scotch Irish immigrants, John Stark survived Indian captivity, and later fought alongside the British in the French and Indian War as part of Rogers Rangers, a legendary militia company which pioneered the tactics of modern guerilla warfare. General Stark s Scotch Irish roots, first hand exposure to second class citizenship in the British army and his desire to prove his talent as a general drove him to achieve victory at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Later, his surprise attack against British hired mercenaries at the Battle of Bennington turned the tide of the war in favor of the young American army. Staunchly independent, John Stark disdained politics and was considered something of a renegade, even among his friends. Like General George Patton of later years, Stark was brash, outspoken and suspicious of politicians who meddled in military affairs. Stark would live to the age of 94, outlasting al but one general of the Revolutionary War

From the Publisher

Though we live in a time of unprecedented interest in the character of our founding fathers, many of the American Revolution's most important leaders have been overlooked. One of those forgotten is John Stark, a brilliant battlefield tactician from New Hampshire, whose decisive action at key points in the War of Independence helped determine its outcome.

In his biography, author Ben Z. Rose focuses on a handful of key people in John Stark's life in an effort to gain insight into his motivation and character. These include his wife, Elizabeth "Molly" Stark, who hailed from a prominent Puritan family; his oldest son, Caleb, who enlisted in the Continental Army at the age of 15; Robert Rogers, founder of the colonial ranger force that bears his name; Seth Warner, the Green Mountain Ranger who fought for Vermont's independence; fellow-New Hampshire Revolutionary War General John Sullivan, who fought alongside Stark at the Battle of Trenton; and Horatio Gates, who rivaled George Washington for leadership of the Continental Army.

John Stark inspired the phrase "Live Free or Die" in a letter to the citizens of Vermont almost 200 years ago during a Battle of Bennington reunion. Stark's sentiment at the time was clearly intended to warn against another British invasion, which occurred a short time later when the British burned down the US Congress during the War of 1812.

As we live in an age where the pendulum swings between concerns over the intrusion of government in our daily lives and fear of foreign enemies, Stark's words speak to us with the same relevance as he did more than 200 years ago.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: TreeLine Press; first edition (March 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978912306
• ISBN-13: 978-0978912307
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #201,469 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating, in-depth portrait of a military genius, August 4, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by securities analyst and American history buff Ben Z. Rose, John Stark: Maverick General is the true story of John Stark, a brilliant battlefield commander hailing from New Hampshire, whose skill in leading the New England militia was critical in turning the tide of the American Revolutionary War. Chapters chronicle not only Stark's life, but also his character, which was fiercely independent and utterly distrustful of authority. His tactics included unconventional combat, and he applied his extensive knowledge of British military methods to seize victory in key battles. A fascinating, in-depth portrait of a military genius who shares responsibility with George Washington and the Founding Fathers for the birth of America.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very well composed, June 6, 2007

By	Scott Lang "Martes Boreas" (now living in PA-ugh!) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a NH native it is nice to find a read about a local hero.It is easy to recite Live Free or Die yet forget the circumstances behind it. Well written in sense of highlighting Stark's accomplishments but also showing how it fit into the great picture of what was happening, and giving credit to others. In a time where battles and wars are waged or not based on political and public outcry or lack thereof, it is revealing to see what men will do for their cause with full knowledge of what will happen if they fail. A grand salute to the common man who can become an extraordinary one.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Hampshire's native son receives his proper due, July 22, 2007

By	B. H. Hampton "history nut" (Goffstown, NH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is extremely well done and easy to read. I am a professor of History in New Hampshire and a transplanted rebel. I found Ben's book to be alive and captivating, from Stark's early life in Roger's Rangers through the Revolution to his later years. Ben's attention to detail is first rate. He has helped me understand General Stark even better. General Stark was a man of a few words, he let his actions speak volumes for him. The title alone describes John Stark to a "T". He was the "Maverick General", a true rebel and a devoted patriot. Ben's book captures the essence of the man and his service to the new United States of America. He has shown General Stark as the citizen turned hero to answer his country's call and then he returns to civilian life, seeking no glory for himself. I am requiring my fall American History classes to read this book.