Benedict Arnold: A Complex Man

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with traitor. That’s sometimes the only thing we remember about him. However, he was much more. He was brave to the point of recklessness, a brilliant strategist and a charismatic leader. His capture of Fort Ticonderoga was instrumental in helping to end the war. His attack on Quebec illustrates his ability to inspire men to follow him. Arnold was also thin-skinned feeling he didn’t get the recognition he deserved. His feelings of betrayal were not completely unjustified. The congress overlooked him several times for promotion raising men in lesser positions to higher rank.

When Arnold suffered a severe injury, he had time to brood on his injustices. This is apparently what led him to accept the British offer and start passing them military intelligence. While it’s easy to speculate that money was the lure that drove Arnold to treason, he was a sensitive individual who felt he had many grievances. This may have played a part in his decision.

This is a well researched biography. I particularly liked the quotations from period sources. I think this is a great addition to the history of the Revolutionary War period. The book was easy to follow. I felt I learned a great deal.

Thanks to the published and Net Galley for this review copy.

Ask Americans who Benedict Arnold was and just about every one of them will know that he was a traitor to America during the Revolutionary War. But unless they are students of the Revolutionary time period, they may not realize that Arnold was a well-regarded and accomplished Revolutionary War hero before he betrayed the new nation.

In fact, he was one of our most successful war leaders, taking the fight to the British in Canada, then fending off a British invasion from there. He also played a critical role at the battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the war and the first time an entire British army had surrendered.

Historian and author Jack Kelly says at the start of the book that Americans “have hated Benedict Arnold for 250 years”, as he gives us a chance to take another look at both the good and bad of a man whose name is synonymous with “traitor”.

You can find other books, like Nathaniel Philbrick’s Valiant Ambition, that cover much of the same subject matter as God Save Benedict Arnold. Philbrick’s book, like all his books, is an excellent read, but it is a history not a biography of Arnold as Kelly’s book is.

In Kelly’s account we follow Arnold from his boyhood to his days of business success as a high seas trader, and then right onto the battlefields of the Revolution. He puts us at the scene as Arnold narrowly escapes death or serious injury in countless clashes with the British. He provides insights into Arnold’s genius at battle, both in planning and in taking advantage of opportunities once the battle has been joined.

Arnold’s prickly pride and quickness to take offense are also on full display in Kelly’s book. His pride was often wounded by the actions of the Continental Congress, which kept for itself the prerogative of promoting and awarding the officers of the Continental Army. Congress was full of men who did not know battle, and their rationale for their dealings with the Army’s generals were often at odds with the feelings of those leaders - up to and including George Washington himself. Congress’s actions in not promoting Arnold, while they did promote others around him, is seen by many historians as a major contributing factor (given Arnold’s prickly pride) to his eventually turning traitor. In this Kelly seems to particularly blame John Adams.

This is an excellent book, but if Kelly’s hope was that the reader might feel more sympathy for Arnold after reading it, I’m not quite sure he succeeds. Knowing more of his contributions, and the crucial nature of his successes for the American side before he agreed to spy for the British gives me more of an understanding, not less, for why Americans have hated Arnold for 250 years.

RATING: Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating Comment: A well written and easy to read biography of Benedict Arnold. Worth reading for those who don’t have an understanding of Arnold’s contributions to the Revolution, or those looking for a refresher on the events in the northern colonies during the Revolution.

NOTE: I read an advanced ebook copy courtesy of NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. The book became available to the public December 5, 2023.

A fine account of the career of Benedict Arnold if you’re not familiar with him beyond the bounds of a U.S. History class.

I found this to be competently researched and organized, though I’m not sure I really learned anything new about Arnold. Though thorough, there’s not a lot here that Revolutionary history won’t already be aware of, and if you’ve read the author’s book Valcour, you’ll find a lot of duplicate information.

I was hoping for a bit more insight into the man himself, since his military career has been very well-documented. The title and publisher’s summary here led me to believe we might get some new or at least newly examined insight into Arnold’s treason and defection to Britain, but there’s nothing unique here.

If you’re new to material about Arnold this is a perfectly good book to start on, but if you’re looking for something beyond the usual content, look elsewhere.

I've enjoyed historical nonfiction in the past. So I was intrigued with the idea of reading more about the infamous traitor.

Well, so much for wanting to learn more about U.S. history. I got really bored with the narrative. However, I did like the author's writing style.

I wasn't a fan of U.S. history during high school and college and I guess things haven't changed much since then (though I had hoped it did.) I did find it strange that I enjoyed the historical nonfiction novel, Empire of Ice and Stone, but didn't care for God Save Benedict Arnold.

I'm sure U.S. history buffs will certainly enjoy God Save Benedict Arnold. Unfortunately, I didn't and gave up early on in the reading process. Two stars because, while I didn't finish the novel, I did like the writing style of the author. Too bad the subject matter wasn't appealing enough for me.

I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

I have always been someone who enjoys history and books like God Save Benedict Arnold showcase why we don't delve into it enough in school. Known as a traitor, Jack Kelly lays out his theories on how Benedict Arnold turned from a patriot to a traitor.

Overall I thought the book was well laid out, gave enough information to be relevant but didn't bog the reader down in unnecessary details and was overall, a very interesting read.

Thank you SMP for the gifted ARC.

Growing up, we learned that being a “Benedict Arnold” was being a traitor, yet school history texts didn’t delve into the how’s and why’s. God Save Benedict Arnold reintroduces us to a complicated man who was also one of the patriot’s best soldiers before becoming a turncoat.

Kelly’s has a two-part theory about Benedict Arnold and his treachery. Arnold was a brilliant strategist and soldier, charismatic and capable. He was a vital cog in the early days of the revolution. On the other side of the coin, Benedict Arnold was also a brash egomaniac, thin-skinned and always shooting off at the mouth to his superiors, frequently getting into trouble. He felt he deserved special praise and attention, especially after taking a bullet in the leg that never healed properly. Yet some of his actions brought about a court martial.

If you enjoy reading about battle history, you’ll enjoy this telling of some key battles in the Revolutionary War and the key players besides Arnold. Normally, I don’t like reading about specific battles, but in this case, it’s necessary to get to know Arnold and his psyche better. It’s an even-handed representation of the people involved, without falling into the trap of making these men super-human. Kelly tries to unpeel the layers to figure out why Benedict Arnold ultimately went over to the British side, but without his own words, there’s no definitive conclusion.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

For more reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

I received a complimentary Advanced Readers Copy of this excellent biography from Netgalley, author Jack Kelly, and Katie Holt of St. Martin's Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read God Save Benedict Arnold of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend this excellent history to friends and family.

This is NOT the school-taught version of the history of this man that my generation was exposed to back in the 1960s, but rather the actual times and experiences of this man - and the reasons behind his transfer of loyalty back to England after years of fighting heroically for the Independence of the U.S. The fact that he turned traitor was not without cause, as is fully explained in this history. I wish it had been made more understandable back in high school. How far can you push a man and not expect recoil? The government was as thoughtless and self-aggrandizing then as it seems to be today. I wish it hadn't happened, but I fully understand why it did after reading this very well-researched version of the time.

I am a Canadian so I never learned the finer details of American history. This extended to players in many wars and things that are “common knowledge” for American history buffs. I love learning about those people now and Benedict Arnold was a fascinating person to discover. I was enthralled from page one and I could not stop. It was incredible to see the development of a patriotic soldier to a traitor. I was so engaged and invested that I wanted more in the best way possible. I think that this is a must read for anyone interested in the Revolutionary War, even people who think they know the story of this infamous man.



I happily received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Benedict Arnold was a man who was canceled long before the term was fashionable after fighting for the American revolution a greedy social climber became turncoat to the country he once defended and the friends he wants fought with. In the end even the people he spied to help would think of him as a man with no scruples morals or principles. He was the grandson of a wealthy governor but by the time he came around the wealth was gone his dad was a cobbler and Benedict Arnold would grow up striving to get back the wealth and respectability he thought he deserved. This was a really good book that tells Arnold’s story in detail from his home life with his wife Peggy whom he lost during the war the actions he took that had people calling him hero all the way to what he did that caused two continents to call him traitor. I love nonfiction books and especially those written by historians but in this one it talks of people dying and Benedict Arnold Bing shooken up by the death but these are the same soldiers that had they lived, he would’ve turned on them and put them in the British’s line of fire. so I guess it is up to the reader and as far as this one goes I still do not like him. I did however enjoyed this book immensely. I want to think Saint martins press and Net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This was an excellent book. Anyone who thinks they know the story of Benedict Arnold should read this book. You will be enlightened.

Really interesting look at Benedict Arnold known as the traitor,Jack Kelly show us that there are many more layers to him .This was really well written interesting look at this time in history.#netgalley #st.Martins

God Save Benedict Arnold by Jack Kelly

If you are unsure of any fact concerning Benedict Arnold, this book will clarify everything. Researched as well as any doctoral thesis, you will come to understand Arnold’s betrayal. While many factors caused Arnold to turn on the country he loved, he ultimately sold his soul for money.

If you relish stories of battles, names of fighters and how we barely conquered the British, this book will fill your passions. It is remarkable that the ragtag bunch of ill-equipped young men battled so long and so hard. Where was Congress with all the money?

Thank you to St Martin’s Press for providing this book for review via Net Galley. All opinions are my own. I’ll give this fact-filled work four stars for Kelly’s achievement. It will appeal especially to avid historians.

Thank you, Jack Kelly, for giving me a new perspective on the life of Benedict Arnold. Like many who grew up in the United States, I knew Benedict Arnold as a traitor to America and little else. You have shown me he was a gifted war strategist and a multi-faceted person.

The American Revolution and the Civil War share some important similarities in that often times family members and friends were on opposing sides. And there were many people who remained neutral. It’s easy to see how the lines could become blurred for individuals living during those times.

In Benedict’s case, he wanted to be rewarded for his military successes and it often seemed someone else stole the spotlight and that Congress overlooked him for promotions. At times he was serving under individuals who had once been serving under him. He felt humiliated and was dissatisfied in serving for the Patriot cause. Most likely the only reason he stayed as long as he did was because of his belief in the cause and his favorable relationship with George Washington.

I loved reading this and learning about a side of American history I knew little about. This would be a great gift for readers who love history and the strategies of war during the American Revolutionary times.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy of offer an honest review and recommend this to other readers.

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. Whenever you think of the name 'Benedict Arnold', a few words come to mind...words like turncoat, traitor, or defector. We don't think of Arnold as an exemplary officer or valiant soldier or brilliant strategist--all things he embodied before he turned. Author Jack Kelly has done an amazing job of describing a complex man who thrived on the battlefield and led the Colonial Army to major victories on Valcour Island and Saratoga. Had he died in battle in either of these arenas, no doubt Benedict Arnold would have gone down in history as one of America's greatest heroes. In the days of the Revolutionary War, however, it was the Continental Congress who designated ranks. General George Washington could submit his recommendations, but the final decisions were up to those men running the government and Benedict Arnold's arrogance rubbed many the wrong way. He was overlooked time and time again while his subordinates were promoted over him, but that was no excuse for the path he chose. When he defected to the British side, General Washington was genuinely heartbroken to find his trust betrayed in the worst possible way. This book was very well-written and researched. Author Jack Kelly gives a well-rounded picture of the man who went down in history as the worst of the worst.

God Save Benedict Arnold by Jack Kelly
Posted on November 29, 2023 by Jack
(https://www.jackreidy.com/blog/2023/11/29/god-save-benedict-arnold-by-jack-kelly/)

Benedict Arnold was a hero and General in the American Revolution before he became a traitor late in the war. Why did he do this? Most of us may know little but his treason. This book fills in all those details of what came before the treason and discusses possible reasons why he became a traitor. The full title is God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man.

Jack Kelly (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jack-Kelly/author/B001HP8MGQ) has written a wonderful book that will educate and thrill us as we learn about this complicated American hero and traitor.

The book will be published December 5. I thank both Netgalley (https://www.netgalley.com) and St. Martin’s Press (https://us.macmillan.com/stmartinspress/) for the chance to read this before publication. I highly recommend God Save Benedict Arnold to anyone with an interest in the American Revolution.

This book chronicles the complex character of Benedict Arnold—an audacious, brilliant soldier whose early exploits were pivotal to American independence, yet whose treason remains indelible. Shedding new light on Arnold’s motives, this exploration offers a fresh perspective on his legacy as both hero and turncoat.

This thorough and well-researched military history provides a detailed account of Arnold's campaigns and battles.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

4 solid stars for a balanced biography of of Benedict Arnold. Arnold is chiefly remembered as a traitor. This book details his crucial contributions to the American cause prior to turning traitor.
1: He conquered Fort Ticonderoga from the British. Ticonderoga's canons made possible the American victory at Boston.
2 He led the failed expedition through the Maine wilderness to capture Quebec city.
3 . He prevented the British from taking control of Lake Champlain at the battle of Valcour.
4. His leadership at the battle of Saratoga was crucial to the American victory.
Without his leadership, the American Revolution would have been strangled in its infancy
However, his contributions were frequently ignored by the Continental Congress and causing him to be angry and embittered.
One quote, author's description of Benedict Arnold: "In many ways, he was a typical American-cocky, restless, grasping, perpetually optimistic, quick to take offense. He was a vivid example of the self-reliance and rugged individualism that would be celebrated by Americans from Ralph Wales Emerson to Ronald Reagan. But self-reliance can beget arrogance."
This book is a page turner. I read it in 2 days.
Thank you Katie Holt at St.Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

Benedict Arnold is still a jerk. However, it is nice to read Jack Kelly's new book to be reminded he was one hell of a battlefield commander. And also impossible to get along with if you spent more than 10 minutes with him.

Kelly's God Save Benedict Arnold is a very good book mostly focused on Arnold's battles on the good side (U-S-A! U-S-A!) before he broke bad. Kelly's writing style is perfect for the subject as the battles feel frenetic even with the outcome long since established. I did appreciate that Kelly didn't overpraise anyone in particular including Arnold. As a self-identified Revolutionary War nerd, I've read many books that fall into hero worship for specific figures at the expense of others. For example, it is very easy to make Horatio Gates look bad at Saratoga but Kelly keeps a balanced view and doesn't attribute otherworldly leadership to Arnold as the battle is won.

This is a great book for anyone who isn't that familiar with the American Revolution or hasn't picked up a book about it since grade school. Kelly keeps the pacing brisk and it's an easy read. If you are more familiar with all the major players, this won't shed a tremendous amount of new light on the events of this time period. It also doesn't spend a tremendous amount of time trying to answer the "why" of Arnold's treachery. This is not a criticism as Kelly is focused on his battlefield prowess. It's a great read.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)

Fascinating. Benedict Arnold has become a punch line, a tag line, a code name but who among us knows who he really was? Well, thank to Kelly, who has done one wallop of a job researching him you'll know that he was so much more than what you might have thought. Kelly's writing is clear and brings Arnold to life. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. The best sort of biography.

God Save Benedict Arnold by Jack Kelly

I remembered very little about Benedict Arnold from my history classes back oh so long ago. I did remember that he was a traitor and that being a "Benedict Arnold" was a bad thing. Going back this far in my reading was taking me back to history that I was fuzzy on but I'm enjoying history books more and more nowadays and this book has me wanting to learn more about the people and events around the Revolutionary War.

Benedict Arnold was an amazing man in many ways and it does seem his accomplishments were often overlooked or claimed by others. Arnold probably wanted recognition, fame, and glory even more than he wanted wealth but in the end he'd take wealth if he couldn't have the other things. Arnold's success as a solder carried over from one side to the other. He was able to accomplish what others could not during battle. He seemed to have no qualms about risky situations and he was brilliant at leading men into the direst of battles and coming out on top. Strategy in war or business was his forte. Getting along with people, especially those who he thought had slighted him, not so much.

Arnold was resentful and bitter for not getting the recognition he felt he deserved and from this book it does look like, time and time again, he was overlooked and undermined when it came to promotions and rank. Even when Arnold continued to do a great job of leading on the battlefield, he was simmering inside, so when he finally was recognized for what he had done, it was too late. In hindsight, Arnold was a powder keg that was going to blow in some way and blow he did. Nothing can excuse his betrayal of those he had fought for and with and of those he led. Once he went to the other side he was instrumental in killing the very people he had lived among. Did this make him a hero to the other side? No, in the end Arnold was a traitor and despite all of his many accomplishments, Arnold is remembered as a traitor.

I learned about many other men of this time and the bibliography and footnotes in this book are very helpful in leading me to other works that I want to read. Even though I knew how this story ended history-wise, I still enjoyed remembering/learning how we got there. It is a hard read though, as are all books of war, and as usual, it's the common man/woman, as soldiers or as civilians, who seem to take the brunt of war's beatings.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.