Rabble in Arms

Good character development helped follow the actual history of the Revolution...

Tells the story of locals fighting against the British in Canada. Written as a drama with a host of colorful characters from the Maine coast.

I first read Arundel and Rabble in Arms in 1953, when in high school. This was either the third or fourth time I re-read Rabble in Arms, and over the years have also introduced my children (all grown and parents of young adults themselves) to Kenneth Roberts timeless books. Robert's summation of the chaos of our fledgling government reads true today.

In High School in Ridgefield, Connecticut, I learned a bit about the American Revolution, in a kind of whitewashed way, and I learned far more about the role of Connecticut people in the revolution. Far more than there really was. My wife went to High School in New Hyde Park, New York and learned more about New York's role than there reaally was. This book is, of course, fiction. But it is set in upstate New York and Vermont (mostly on Lake Champlain) and describes events that were right in the middle of what New York students learned about the American Revolution (the British attempt to divide the colonies in two along the Mohawk river). It is very descriptive but not, in all cases, realistic. The protagonist, as is usual in historical novels, leads a charmed life, escaping grape shot and outer rounds repeatedly, and apparently building ships all by himself to his own plans. It is a good read, but I think it makes more of the role of people from downstate Maine (then part of Massachusetts) than really happened. I read it on my iPad, and kept dropping out of the book to look at a Google map to see if I could find the places described. And in some cases I could.

I purchased my 2nd volume of Rabble because I found a 1st Edition that was signed by Kenneth Roberts. Earlier I had written a review on the same book when I first purchased it. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest historical novels I have ever had the pleasure to own and read. It was Arundel and Rabble that led me to purchase every book that Roberts had ever written. None were disappointing with the exception of Cowpens. I am convinced that the Roberts' family pushed this book to be published immediately after his death. Roberts was working on it and accumulating his data, but it was obvious to me that the details of the battle and their participants as well as his unique writing style were lacking in his last novel. Someone attempted to finish this novel for the deceased Roberts, but they lacked his touch and his skill. I assume they didn't want the work to date to go unnoticed. This publication did not pay justice to the complete Roberts' and his works. It should simply be noted that it wasn't his best effort because he didn't finish the job. Someone else did it for him. That was the disservice if any.Back to Rabble and its characters which picks up where Arundel left off. Historically this novel is of great significance as Roberts traces the progress of the Revolutionary Army. Its characters are rich. The adventure as portrayed is authentic and the characters are entertaining. The sacrifices the Americans had to endure against far superior British and European forces are testimony to the grit and character of our early Americans and their allies. It is a never ending story. Only the dates and places change as America continues to defend democracy world wide. Roberts is such an entertaining author and his novels do not disappoint, ever, in my opinion. Read and enjoy. This is a real literature treat.

Going through the US school system, both public and private, I thought American history was the most boring of subjects. In college I started to read James Michener's books, and was surprised to find that our history was actually pretty interesting. Now I consider myself fortunate to have discovered the works of Kenneth Roberts -- a magnificent writer who brings the Revolution to life and makes me angry at a school system that couldn't spark my interest. Why is it that a novelist can teach me more in one book than what I gleaned from years of tedious instruction? Rant aside, let me say that Roberts' work is as compelling as Michener's but differs in scope. The latter's books sweep across aeons and generations, plucking and delving into personal stories, while Roberts stays within a brief span of years but sweeps broadly, at the same time telling the story believably through one person's experience.Roberts is a gifted writer relating an account of the Patriots' Northern army through the first-person narration of Peter Merrill, a sea captain from Arundel, Maine, who has joined the army with his brother and finds himself a scout under the command of the brilliant and volatile, pre-treasonous General Benedict Arnold. The narrative of this sequel to Roberts' novel ARUNDEL is immediately interesting. At first I was disappointed that the narrator was not the same as that in the previous book, Steven Nason, but I came to enjoy Merrill's voice as well, and was very happy that characters from the previous novel were also here -- Nason, Cap Huff, Phoebe, Natanis and of course Marie de Sabrevois (aka Mary) -- as well as interesting new characters like Doc Means and Verrieul.I disagree with other reviewers in some respects. Against all past experience and inclination, I find I actually enjoy the outspoken buffoon Cap Huff who, in his way, captures a rough-and-ready spirit and is resilient in any situation. I also think that Marie is an intriguing character but that her distance from the narrative recreates the mystery and consternation that these characters would feel about her.This book makes you realize that Congress hasn't changed much in over 200 years. A map helps you place the action, and if you are on the fence about whether or not to read this or any other Kenneth Roberts book, please take the plunge. You won't be sorry.Highly recommended.

Very fast delivery. It is a used book but the condition was if anything better than described. Excellent value and service.

Better condition than I expected

Excellent condition with Wyeth's cover a bonus.

Thank you, glad to buy this book which has been out of print for many years. Great service.

A splendid continuation to Arundel, and an intriguing portrait of Benedict Arnold, one of history's most enigmatic figures. Worth treasuring