Jim Murphy's The Real Benedict Arnold

Jim Murphy’s The Real Benedict Arnold went in-depth and described in a detailed manner the life of Benedict Arnold. Murphy’s purpose of writing this book about Benedict Arnold was to expose some of the rumors and folktales that have been added to Benedict Arnold’s life so that we can see him in fair and objective way. He wanted to state the facts pertaining to Benedict Arnold’s life and help the reader obtain a more thorough understanding of who Benedict was and the motivations that led to his treasonous schemes. Although, he lacked key documents from Benedict’s life, he still provided an accurate account that allowed readers to gain a better understanding of Benedict’s life, the reasons behind why he became a traitor, and the truth behind the lies that slandered Benedict’s name.

Although, the book is well written and provides good information about Benedict, Murphy fails to capture the reader’s attention in the beginning. The book does not become interesting until the actual betrayal is discussed within the book. Most readers will have a hard time reading this book because it lacks interest in the everyday common person. Murphy’s style is very formal and original, yet an average person would find it hard to read this book because of the wordings he used in the book. This book would ideally interest people who like battle strategies, details, and history in general.

Unlike other books, The Real Benedict Arnold does not just discuss Benedict being a traitor, but discusses his life in general. It gives the reader an understanding of Benedict the person and not just Benedict the American traitor. Murphy makes the reader see Benedict as just another person who made a bad choice in life and he just so happened to become famous fro...

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...verall Murphy did an amazing job of telling the story of Benedict Arnold. He provided good evidence to support his argument and corrected the lies put on Benedict’s name. Murphy did lack excitement throughout the book, but it was still a fascinating read. Murphy did fail at appealing to what the common person would like to read. I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they like history and details on military battles.

Although Benedict was a traitor to America, Murphy helped explained why and provided better understanding of the events leading up to him deciding to trait. Murphy does an incredible job at showing who Benedict really was by telling the reader about what is known about his childhood and teenage years, helps us understand Benedict’s personality. Anyone who reads this book will definitely have a different view of Benedict Arnold the traitor.