A comparison of the cultural and political/institutional dimensions of war's impact on Greece during the Peloponnesian War; and the United States and the two Koreas; North and South; during the Korean War. It demonstrates the many underlying similarities between the two wars.
#86562 in Books Jacob Mark 2012-07-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.10 x 6.20l; 1.10 #File Name: 076277388X288 pagesTreacherous Beauty Peggy Shippen the Woman Behind Benedict Arnold s Plot to Betray America
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Treacherous BeautyBy SSpoonsterThe book was good but it felt like it kind of ended abruptly. I understand that there are not a lot of sources about her life after they committed treason. There was a lot of detail leading up to and during the treason but then it just kind of stops. It is still an interesting read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A tale not taught in history classBy M. OrbuchAn engrossing read about Margaret Shippen (Arnold); whose true role as facilitator of Benedict Arnold's 'turn' was whitewashed by a family who nearly destroyed all damning evidence of her actions and the prominent Revolutionary leaders snookered by her charm; beauty and impressive acting skills (shockingly; Washington and Hamilton were among the shrewd players taken in by her dramatic ruse following the unraveling of the plot).After reading the book; I still don't get a clear understanding of her relationship with Arnold nor of the lonely years in exile raising his brood while the feckless former hero of Saratoga pursued one quixotic venture after another; in the process dissipating the family's fortunes. One curious anecdote relates how Madame Arnold invested some of her husband's bribe back into US banks; who thought nothing unseemly about the source of the deposit.Little is further revealed about the true nature of Peggy's relationship with Major John Andrê the hapless British spymaster. Recently portrayed in the semi-fictionalized series; "Turn" as Peggy's love interest; Messrs. Case and Jacob present circumstantial evidence that this is likely a contrived relationship; notwithstanding the lock of hair he actually gave her as a memento. The authors further notes that the good Major was rumored at the time to have been the lover of British North America Commander; General Henry Clinton.The dramatic undoing of the conspiracy to take West Point and end the Rebellion; reads like a fast-paced spy novel as double and triple agents play their parts. Unknown to this day is what Washington and his Intelligence Chief; Major Benjamin Talmadge knew beforehand or what drove André's inexplicable series of amateurish and fatal errors in blatant violation of direct orders from his commander. Washington's presence nearby and relatively restrained reaction to the defection; the sudden appearance of Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton (Washington's aide de camp) and Maj. Talmadge as André's interrogators and guards hours after his capture hints at an elaborate trap laid for the all-too-clever André.He was subsequently lionized in Britain as a martyr to the cause of Empire but during his tenure as British Intelligence Chief; probably sent his share of now-nameless American civilians to the gallows on the mere suspicion of espionage. And unlike his own courts martial before ranking Continental generals; patriot spy Nathan Hale was summarily executed and tossed into Manhattan's East River yet André lies in a place of honor in Westminster Abbey. Good PR carries you far; even in death.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Woman Behind Benedict ArnoldBy Andrew ChiciakThis is the true story of Peggy Shippen; the woman behind the traitor; Benedict Arnold. Had they carried out the plot; the course of history would have been changed in all probability This book reads like a novel. All is not war and tragedy. There was a lot of partying and social life during the British occupation of Philadelphia. Peggy was at the heart of this social whirl; with her beauty and personality getting her plenty of attention; especially from the handsome; talented Captain Andre; a British officer. One is introduced to the conflicted members of Philadelphia society; who did not know which side to be loyal to in the face of financial ruin. When Benedict Arnold enters the picture; a wounded war hero being tormented by a court martial; we get a better understanding of how a beautiful woman could convince him to turn traitor; The only criticism I have of the book is it's a little simplistic.But; all in al;l a really good read.
