This is a most appropriate read for anyone interested in learning about, not just these two patriots, the story of our country before and during our quest for independence. Dave Palmer lays out the events and places in a way that kept me craving to know and understand what comes next and why. The book climaxes with the details of Arnold's treason and how he lived after his deception became evident to all. The words describing the unparalleled leader, George Washington, are superb and left me with a strong sense of pride and deference.

I've read several books dealing with the lives of both of these men. While Mr.Palmer's book offers nothing particularly new about Washington (how could it considering how exhaustively his life has been examined?) it is the best treatment of Arnold I have read to date. This book chronicles Arnold's metamorphosis from selfless patriot hero to self-serving treacherous villain in vivid detail. Palmer also makes a convincing case for the complicity of Mrs. Arnold in the general's plot. I am hoping a recently purchased biography of Peggy Shippen will add detail to this accusation. For now, however, this book will rank at the top as an insight into the rise and fall of Benedict Arnold that more Americans need to be aware of. Arnold's rise and fall contains life lessons worth studying in depth.

The story of George Washington is well known, but the true story of Benedict Arnold is less so. Like many Americans, I grew up knowing the name, but never really knowing the specifics. This book does a great job in distilling his life during the Revolutionary War down to a digestible chunk, and while I'm not sure comparing and contrasting him with Washington is necessary, I'm sure Washington would have by necessity been a large part of the story anyway, so why not? Incredibly readable and enjoyable.

This is a nice enough introduction to Arnold and Washington.

Most of what I know about Washington comes from passed-down cultural knowledge and Washington's Spies (look up book).

I had no idea that Arnold was such a daredevil. I didn't know that he was a brilliant and bold fighter. I certainly didn't know that he was a brilliant businessman and widely respected. Y'know, before that whole betrayal thing.

Palmer does a solid job of setting up the two main characters, telling you just enough about the supporting players so that you grasp their role, if not their entire lives.

The main complaint I have with the book is Palmer's angle. For one thing, he approaches it with a military mind. Given his past, that is entirely understandable. But he is quick to judge this action or that based on what he thinks is an intelligent battle plan. I am sure that he knows those areas better than I, and is more qualified to judge, but the commentary is often unnecessary.

To a greater degree, he tries to tell us that he has special insight into others' minds, especially with Arnold. He "must have thought" this or "surely" he did that. He comes out and says that no one knows. Then he repeatedly injects his assumptions into what is supposed to be an historical text. I can comprehend trying to give the two men personalities, His desire to paint a certain picture takes this book too close to fiction on several occasions.

The last chapter of the book is completely out of place. "Character" reads like a chapter out of a psychology textbook. He ventures from telling how battles occurred to judging and weighing how a solider should be. It is unneeded, jarring, and an odd way to sum up a book unless you are looking tp apply to West Point.

Regardless, the book is a nice introductory text. He sets up two soldiers that I knew nothing about and fills me in on the important moment of history that I was ignorant about. His style is not what I prefer, but I can hardly question his expertise.

Much i did not know. Btw armold was hell on wheels

Such a great read for any history lover! I really enjoyed this one

A history book that reads like a great novel. Although I've studied both men in school, this books gives a lot of insight into each of them.

This was very well written. It held my attention on a subject I never thought to be interesting, American history.

I didn't even finish this book and I don't even think I can rate it. I was disturbed not to find any source material listed. I also was disappointed when I found that it was more a history of of the Revolution with bits of Washington and Arnold's personal stories, instead of the reverse. Not a great book for someone who is serious about research.

Didn't realize how little I knew about George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Revolutionary War before I read this. Fascinating history.

A nice telling of the stories of the two men, not an essential read, but a good one. Ultimately not memorable

An interesting book that parallels two men with similar backgrounds, but different outcomes! To be honest, I did not know much about Arnold's history.