Customer Reviews

Lafayette

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Harlow Unger's book covers a biography that is stranger than fiction, starting with LaFayette's unique marriage and continuing with his fanatical dedication to the remote American struggle for freedom; his close relationships with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and other world leaders; his exceptional military leadership; his continuing voluntary work for independence in his own country (including 13 months in a horrific prison) all the way until he died at the age of 77. Throughout the story, the mutual, unabated love between the Marquis and his very capable wife, Adrienne, provided even more dramatic episodes. Nearly every event was more amazing the the one before.
This is a detailed and eye-opening history of both the American and French revolutions and their great contrast. If the reader has trouble believing it is truly factual, he will be convinced with the frequent, verbatim letters and voluminous, documented historical references. This is absolutely a must read for anyone with an ounce of interest in western civilization.

This book swept me away with its twists of adventure, romance, and military scenes. It is definitely the best biography I've read on Lafayette with its thorough detail and gripping narrative. Lafayette's story combines French and American history, and captures the moving love story of his marriage. It has been a long time since a book transported me like this one did.

This book is wonderful! It is very readable, fast-paced, and, unlike other 'dry' books about long dead historical figures, it keeps the reader turning pages, wondering "why didn't I learn about this great man - this Founding Father - in high school history class?" Well, in this time of cynicism where we all decry the lack of bona fide heros (outside of sports and entertainment), here he is - the Marquis de Lafayette! This book not only clearly outlines Lafayette's life and unbelieveable accomplishments, but also his ideals. He was a man who believed in liberty, equality, honesty, friendship, and honor. Without his brilliant military and political leadership, the 13 colonies would not have won independence from Great Britain. Without Lafayette - and France - the United States would not be, certainly not as we are today. The book also continues to describe Lafayette's impact on Europe, and his role in formenting republican revolution in France and elsewhere on the European continent. But always, he is true to his undying and immutable convictions about the rights of man. Even when threatened with horrid imprisonment and death, Lafayette did not waver in his ideals. He risked his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor for those rights. What a great man - a hero for the ages! A must read.....

Unger's Lafayette is one of the best written revolutionary period biographies. Most of us know Lafayette only for his American Revolution contributions. Unger's book takes us to the French revolution as well and Lafayette's key role in it. Here he tried to prevent the massacres that took place and personally paid dearly for his role. One can not help have strong admiration for Lafayette as a man of ideals, honesty and courage. Unger has written a highly readable and entertaining biography. I read his book on Hancock and was also imnpressed with Unger's ability to tell a story with an always interestimg prose.

This is an extremely disappointing book of "history"? As one earlier reviewer indicated, the book contains some appalling historical mistakes. Here are two that blew me away because they are so completely inaccurate and so obvious - on page 60 "Saratoga had been America's only military victory since the beginning of the war" - well I guess Concord, Trenton and Princeton must not have been victories!!! On page 120 regarding Benedict Arnold, "...Arnold suffered a crippling wound in the disastrous American assault on Quebec...and his injuries left him reluctant to assume anymore battlefield commands". Of course this is completely inaccurate since Arnold was certainly never "reluctant" to take on any military command and in fact his most successful military actions, (as you can find in any basic book on the Revolution) Valcour Island and Saratoga, occurred long after Quebec.

I simply can't believe these inaccuracies (along with many other questionable statements) were allowed to be included in a history book, where were the editors! I was really looking forward to reading the chapters on the Lafayette's involvement in the French Revolution (since I am not too familiar with that period) but since the ARW content is dubious at best I decided not to waste my time and possibly be led to believe inaccurate facts that I do not have the knowledge to recognize.

Finally, the book seems to white wash Lafayette to the extreme and makes him appear to be the most important and sometimes only player in a number of the most dramatic events of the war, other than possibly Washington. For instance there is little about Franklin's involvement in winning French support for independence. The best portions of this book are the letters the author has included. Lafayette was certainly one of the most important and noble people in the history of our country - but I'll have to find another book to satisfy my interest in him.

This is an excellent book!!!!! It reads like a novel and provides a wealth of knowledge about this great man. I'm only 13 years old, and I've read this book twice! If I could give it 6 stars, I would. I'd give it 10 stars!! Anyway, I definitely reccomend this book to anyone who wants to know about the Marquis de Lafayette.

Unger's Lafayette is a brilliantly written biography. It is of Pulitzer caliber, and the most informative, revealing, and entertaining recount of Lafayette's extradoridany life published to date. It is not only a masterful biography but a valuable text on the American and French Revolutions and beyond.

This book provides an illuminating window to both the American Revolution and the French Revolution. Lafayette and his indispensable role as "midwife of liberty" are portrayed in a most compelling manner. The author deserves high praise for this work. The only quibbles are some factual errors on other characters. Contrary to the author's claim, it was not Patrick Henry that went to Monticello to warn Jefferson of the coming of the British, rather it was Jack Jouett. Also, the author lobs some erroneous criticism at Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and Virginians as a whole suggesting they were unwilling to actually bear arms to fight during the Revolutionary War. This is simply wrong.
Patrick Henry did actually bear arms for a time until others persuaded him that he was more valuable in the political realm than in military service. Thomas Jefferson, likewise, was actively involved in the political realm and such criticism against him is unfair. As to Virginians as a whole, this criticism fails as well; as the author himself recognized: the main force Lafayette commanded was composed of Virginians.
Notwithstanding these points, this book should be read by all. The appreciation for the sacrifices required to give birth to American liberty is immeasurably enhanced by this work. Not only is Lafayette better understood to be a truly unalloyed great man, not just a great soldier, but his wife, Adrienne, is a heroic figure in her own right. If there is another woman like Adrienne walking the planet today, I would love to meet her.
This book is a treasure of insights into a fascinating cast of characters and events.

I concur with all other reviews. I wish I read this book when I was 13! In teaching US History, World History, Civics, Sociology, or Leadership, a lesson on Lafayette is a must! Unger skillfully presents a comparison/contrast on Lafayette and Washington, American Revolution and French Revolution. Question: Why did republicanism work so early in America and take so long to work in France? One reason is that representative government began early in colonial America, with village governments and colonial assemblies. France did not have that foundation but was ruled by despots, the people being forced to submit. If Lafayette had a fault, it was naivete. He did not understand the significance of the foundation of representative government in America which France lacked. Another reason was Washington, Lafayette, Greene and others in the military and Adams, Madison, Jefferson, Franklin and others in the political realm. These Americans' focus was a team effort (militarily and politically) to "form a more perfect Union" for the benefit of all the people. In France, the focus on the part of many was "me first" or "what's in it for me" or "how can I protect my interests." The cynics are so quick to point fingers at USA government. It is true--America is not perfect, but America was the first to implement liberty, freedom, and democracy. Through all the growing pains and revisions, we have done rather well. After reading Unger's book, I will never look on the US flag the same again. I will have much greater respect for Old Glory than ever before! All these thoughts have come to mind while reading Unger's book on Lafayette--a must read!

I really enjoyed this book. I had heard the name, but really didn't know much about him. What a life. Love him or hate him, he lead a remarkable life. The book is easy to read and really makes you think about how much America depended on France during the Revolutionary War. According to Unger, we may or may not have gotten France's help without Lafayette; either way, it is clear he had a major influence on the outcome of the war. Speaking of revolutions, he helped start the French Revolution, though he helped create a monster he could not control. Because of this book, I have bought another book solely on the French Revolution to learn more - and to see if Lafayette played as prominent a role as Unger states.