The Notorious Benedict Arnold; A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery

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Recommended: American revolution social and political

The Notorious Benedict Arnold; A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery is a historic, non-fiction book written by Steve Sheinkin , an “Arnold fanatic”. Published by Roaring Brook Press on November 9, 2010, this piece of literature contains 285 pages with complete sources, and references. In addition, this book won the YALSA Award in 2012 for its literary impact on young adults. With this biography, Steve Sheinkin seeks to describe all aspects of a crucial figure in the history of America.
Today, Benedict Arnold is remembered as an dark, angry individual who cold-heartedly backstabbed the 13 colonies during the American Revolution war. In society, one who is dubbed a “Benedict Arnold” automatically is associated with the likes of a rebel, double-crosser, and intense betrayer. After the end of the American Revolution, early historians painted Arnold as an individual holding a fiery temper and egotistical problems stemming from previous childhood issues. Although most present-day Americans view Benedict Arnold as a treacherous enemy, in actuality, the United States owes a majority of its independence to Benedict Arnold’s involvement in the Continental army.
Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 and, to the surprise of his family, survived through the coldest months in year as a new baby. As the 6th Arnold in his family, Benedict descended from a long line of Arnold’s who first arrived in Rhode Island near the early 1600’s. Growing up, onlookers described the lively teenage Benedict Arnold as “lean”, “strong” and “full of pranks…” (Sheinkin 13). He always occupied himself. Sometimes he swam and ran, other times locals noticed him climbing tall boat masts and slippery hulls. Benedict quickly stood out among the rest...

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...edict Arnold as today’s general public; a traitor and villain that attempted to ruin America. Steve Sheinkin explains that Arnold’s significant contribution to America are not only deeply understated but also overlooked in modern society. After I reading The Notorious Benedict Arnold, a realization that America’s independence directly resulted from General Arnold came upon me. My only criticism is the general lack of visual assistance. Maps and diagrams detailing army movement and terrain could really supplement the writing. I would recommend this book to any Honors U.S. student looking for a easy, yet interesting historical non-fiction as The Notorious Benedict Arnold won the YALSA award for young adults. Its perfect!

Works Cited

Sheinkin, Steve. The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery. New York: Roaring Brook, 2010. Print.

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