Robert Zubrin Benedict Arnold: A Drama of the American Revolution

Benedict Arnold: A Drama of the American Revolution in Five Acts

Robert Zubrin

Polaris, 2005, $9.95

ISBN: 0974144312

In 1777, the colonial forces flounder in the battle at Saratoga, New York against the troops of English General Burgoyne. The ragtag rebels are ready to retreat although no orders have come from leader General Gates. Realizing that an opportunity for success is at hand and Gates is nowhere to be found, General Arnold rallies the troops and leads a counter assault. The Americans win the battle, but Gates takes the glory. Over the next few years, Arnold proves to be the best field Commander, but fame and fortune seem to go to others less capable and in some cases abject failures. Beautiful teenage Pennsylvanian Tory Peggy Shipton and British top colonial spymaster Major John Andre recruit the frustrated Arnold to betray the West Point Fortress. They almost succeeded except for the unlikely heroic intervention of three skinners.

This five act play is a strong biographical look at one of the most fascinating tragic figures in American history. The storyline paints quite a different picture of Benedict Arnold, whose name denotes traitor. Of equal interest is the insightful glimpse at other key Founding Fathers especially Gates as well as Arnold's two partners in treachery. Readers will appreciate this fine drama and hope a production will one day follow.

Harriet Klausner