This was dull as dust. There’s a real need out there for a great biography of Benedict Arnold. This isn’t it.

This book is absolutely fantastic. The parallels between these two great men are amazing. Many people think they know the story of Washington and Arnold because of what they may have learned in History class but this book takes it to another level.

Simple reading of a complex subject. I liked the juxtaposition of these two men--both who wanted a country where they were free to choose--one who was selfless, the other who became selfish.

I enjoyed the read. I am an American expat and have had much less American history in my schooling than the typical American does. I also live in Canadian the city Benedict Arnold moved to. I regularly visit the Second Cup coffee shop next door to where his home sat. I soaked in this book.

I am bothered by a couple of points. Mr. Palmer takes the typical American stance that Arnold is an evil, American traitor. His text reads rather neutral, until the late stages, and he actually devotes more print to Arnold than Washington. At least Arnold's story is more interesting. Everybody knows Washington's story ad nauseum. Palmer also omits Arnold's 'Letter To The Inhabitants Of America.' This is an important substance which are Arnold's own words on why he left: opposition to French, unnecessary fighting after Great Briton offered her open arms (Palmer never mentions any peace salvos), and "because Fellow Subjects were considered as our Foes?" Scant examination of his mind, largely I fear because Palmer didn't want to dig any deeper lest he find evidence Arnold had just cause. I don't know if Arnold did, and I seriously doubt he ever thought through his motivations. I fear he was blinded by action and prejudice as so many strong type A's tend to be. Sorry type A's, but I am a strong type B and you are all messed up in my mind *grin*

A fine, fine story of Benedict Arnold, and how he came to become the most notorious traitor in US history. I never knew what a military genius he was, nor how Congress completely screwed him over. While not justifying his behavior, the context around his life was eye-opening and educational. I enjoyed it very much!

I enjoyed Dave Palmer's treatment of both Arnold and Washington. Previously, the most I knew about Washington came from touring Mount Vernon and the most I heard about Arnold concerned his traitorous acts. Palmer shows Arnold's daredevil side along with his brilliant and bold fighting spirit. I appreciated reading about Benedict Arnold's astute business sense and how he enjoyed great respect i his community. I certainly didn't know that he was a brilliant businessman and widely respected. Y'know, before that whole betrayal thing. The lives of both Washington and Arnold bear profound witness to the proposition that character is destiny.

A very well written book. The author is not necessarily giving historical facts here as much as he is using history to show how certain events can lead two different men to very different destinies. He really sums it up excellently at the end with a befitting quote about character. This is a remarkably well written book.

A very interesting, and easy to read contrast between Washington and Arnold. Although there were no footnotes, sources, or bibliography, it was filled with facts conveyed in such a way to make them highly interesting and easy to remember. The author had fun pointing out the irony that surrounded the events and people involved, making history engaging. I've read at least three biographies on Benedict Arnold, each filled with sources and footnotes, and didn't enjoy any of those near as much as this book!

A great read! I read this about 3 years ago. It is fascinating to read about the friendship between these two men. I didn't know anything about Arnold before reading this. I was unaware of why he became a traitor. And, to be honest, I can empathize with his anger. It's got to be difficult to be responsible for so many lives, yet the government can't or won't provide for their needs. Given the times, I can understand the government's very limited funds. Yet, I can see how Arnold became disenchanted with his purpose ... especially when you know he used his own money for provisions ... and became so angry he lost common sense and turned on this country. I will read this book again! It is that well written and informative.

A good book to read while waiting for tye final season of AMC's "Turn" to come out. A very readable, well-paced book. It following the lives of George Washington and Benedict Arnold in parallel.

I know what you’re thinking. Why is Benedict Arnold’s name shared with George Washington’s in the title of this book as a patriot? Before his name became synonymous with treachery, he WAS a patriot.

Washington and Arnold shared a talent for leadership. Both were successful in business, Washington in agriculture and Arnold in shipping, which well served the latter as the commander of ships during the war to achieve major battlefield AND naval victories. Intrepid and impetuous, Arnold would become known as the American Hannibal.

Unfortunately, his flaws ultimately precipitated his crash. Arnold, obsessed with standing out among the rest of his class, frequently dueled over perceived slights. During a battle, a slug shattered his leg. During a long, painful convalescence, he brooded over social injuries, including an idiotic dispute over his rank. Through it all, Washington held him esteem, and entreated him to return to command. By now, Arnold decided to make up for his losses in nefarious ways. He wangled a soft appointment at West Point, a crucial location under American control, but coveted by the British, in order to effect a take-over. The bungled outcome, equal parts tragic and comic, turned an esteemed name into an evil epithet.

At this moment, the American colonies stood at the brink of losing everything. The War for Independence was underfunded, underfed, undermanned. The news of this treason should have disheartened the troops, particularly those who had fought under him. Instead, “Benedict Arnold managed to do what no one else had. He revitalized the Revolution.” In short time, Arnold became the “overnight star of effigy burnings.” A grateful Washington stated, “In no instance since the commencement of the war has the interposition of Providence appeared more conspicuous than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold’s villainous perfidy.”

You know the rest of the story: Although George Washington fathered no children, his name lives on, “carried proudly by American boys generation after generation.” Arnold sired nine offspring, but I defy you to find anyone named after him. The supreme irony is that, for all his preening, he turned a once esteemed name into an epithet.

one of the best books on leadership that I have ever read.