Valiant Ambition

In September 1776, George Washington’s army retreats from New York after a succession of British victories, while Benedict Arnold delays a northern invasion at the Battle of Valcour Island. Philbrick follows the two commanders through the Revolution’s uncertain middle years: Washington learns to preserve the Continental Army despite political interference and chronic shortages, while Arnold earns a reputation for audacity at Saratoga and in the Philadelphia campaign but feels repeatedly denied credit, rank and financial security.

Arnold’s grievances harden after his marriage to Peggy Shippen, whose Loyalist connections help open negotiations with British intelligence officer John André. The attempt to surrender West Point exposes a betrayal that shocks the revolutionary cause and forces Americans to confront disunion within their own ranks. By placing Washington’s growing self-command beside Arnold’s volatility, Philbrick turns a familiar story of treason into a study of leadership, loyalty and the fragile institutions on which the rebellion depended.