Definitive? No, but a good introduction.

books:


	• Henry Knox: Visionary General of the American Revolution Mark Puls Palgrave Macmillan, 2008 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 8 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Well told story in a poor quality book.

The author obviously spent a great deal of time researching and writing this book. It's a pity that the publisher has chosen to skimp on the quality of the finished product. The book is filled with examples of incorrect grammar and punctuation, which are a distraction to the narrative. Proofreading before publication would have yielded a book more worthy of the author's effort.

A Truly American Success Story

In very many ways, the story of the United States is also Henry Knox' story, of someone from humble beginnings, including a physical handicap, rising to be a significant part in the American Revolution, through personal efforts and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Knox may not have been an architect of victory, but he certainly was one of the major instruments of it. An American `Man For All Seasons', his range of talents, as well as personal and professional growth, were amazing: valor and leadership in the field; extraordinary organizational skills; trusted senior advisor to George Washington; quick in developing tactics and tools to accommodate the Continental Army's myriad weaknesses; founder of the US Navy; recognizing and exploiting new technology; founder of West Point Military Academy; architect of a professional officer corps. These and more were contributions he made that not only served the immediate struggle for the US' existence, but also provided tools for subsequent national leaders who were grateful for having them as instruments of policy. And, like all of George Washington's `family', he had a sense of honor that was sorely tested by the pointed, repeated and deliberate failures of national political leaders, something that exists still in today's modern military. The 257 pages are organized into 12 chapters and an Epilog, with extensive notes and bibliography. The time span is from his early years to his untimely death. A delightful read, and highly recommended.

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Carl's review

Masterly written book of an outstanding American hero. The history of the man and his times come alive. One senses the excitement and great tensions of Henry Knox's life and achievemments. Wonderful book.
Highly recommended.

Definitive? No, but a good introduction.

The back of the book jacket quotes another author calling this "the definitive biography." Given the over-reliance on secondary sources, I think not. The book's author does point out that a fire destroyed the records of Knox's time as Secretary at War and subsequently Secretary of War, but there must be plenty of other primary source materials to draw on. I agree that this is a well-written biography, particularly in noting Knox's close relationship with Washington, which has been obscured by the focus on Hamilton and Lafayette as Washington's supposed favorites. As another reviewer noted, the war is the bulk of this briskly written book and is well written to reflect Knox's point of view and role in the campaign. I would recommend this book for those interested in the back-story of supporting, supplying and training the Continental Army. Knox will have to wait a while longer for his definitive biography, however.

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Still Waiting

From Boston street rat to American revolutionary general to the first U.S. Secretary of War, the career of Henry Knox rose steadily and triumphantly despite a life dogged by personal tragedy. Knox's quick intellect allowed him to turn bombardment theory gained through voracious reading into expert practice during the American Revolution; his unflagging optimism and good-natured love of people charmed open the doors to the halls of political power; his reliability and integrity gained him the respect and admiration of the army and its civic leadership. Perhaps the greatest testament to his spirit was his refusal to break under the deaths of nine children and the gradual mental collapse and death of William, his only sibling.

Puls's biography of Knox falls into the category of "Better than Nothing." Knox, for whom the famed repository of American gold is named, deserves the limelight Puls shines on him. Also, Puls's writing is clear and exciting, the kind of prose that captures the imagination and holds it tightly. However, this is not a scholarly work, and it shows. Speculation on what Knox may have felt or thought is too prominent, and there isn't much in the way of scientifically-historical investigation. This popular biography fills a thoroughly necessary spot in the American library--to introduce the casual reader to a great historical figure who may otherwise have been forgotten. It's simply unfortunate that Knox has the popular biography without the definitive scholarly work to undergird it.

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reviews: page 1, 2

Here is a compelling portrait of the Revolutionary War general whose skills as an engineer and artilleryman played a key role in all of George Washington's battles including the Siege of Boston (where his use of cannons at Dorchester Heights won back the city) and the Battle of Trenton (where he was in charge of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River). Knox became an major advocate of the U.S. Constitution and served as the nation?s first Secretary of War. He was co-founder of the U.S. Navy, laid the foundations for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and negotiated treaties and set policy with Native Americans.With nail-biting battle scenes, patriotism and deep understanding of his subject, Mark Puls breathes new life into the American Revolution and firmly assigns Knox to his deserved place in history.

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