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Unlikely Allies: How a Merchant, a Playwright, and a Spy Saved the American Revolution [NOOK Book]
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While talk of Tea Parties and founding fathers may be all the rage, the founding of the nation-as Paul's book makes delightfully clear-was far more complex, fragile, hard fought and exceptional than we ever knew. Indeed, this excellent and well-researched book should be mandatory reading for students of early American history. They'll not only encounter Revolutionary heroes far more heroic-and revolutionary-than those of the standard tale: a misunderstood and unjustly maligned patriot merchant who sacrificed all, a cross-dressing chevalier who dared blackmail a monarch, and a playwright who creates and is ultimately undone by Figaro. They'll also learn what "going rogue" really means.
Reviewers will no doubt offer well-deserved praise for Paul's engrossing narrative and masterful storytelling skills. Many writers attempt to bring history to life with gunpowder and battlefield maneuvers, but when was the last time you couldn't put down a history book out of sheer fascination? Perhaps that highlights the book's true genius. It not only inspires a deeper appreciation of the political complexities of its time and the personal determination of its characters-remove any one and American independence could have become just another unrealized idea-it does so through the most unlikely approach: simply telling the truth, the whole truth. Thanks to "Unlikely Allies", to borrow from the late Paul Harvey, now you know the rest of the story.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 30, 2011
I am somewhat biased having grown up in Wethersfield, CT (Silas Deane's hometown), but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author did an amazing job researching the subject matter and presenting it in an entertaining, easy-to-read format. I also love that he vindicates Deane (a hero of mine) against the claims that he was a traitor to the revolution, pointing out that there were those in Congress who had personal grudges against him. They sullied his reputation while the whole time he's out trying to secure France's aid and getting virtually no guidance or assistance from those who sent him. Then Ben Franklin shows up in the 11th hour and gets all the credit.
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Posted July 6, 2011
I Also Recommend:
I don't pretend to be an "expert" on American history, so I cannot truly attest to historical accuracy of the research, but this book is incredibly enjoyable informational reading! The "characters" draw you in entirely and the hidden truths of how our independence was choreographed are incredible. I highly recommend this for any history buff in school or out - but this would make a fantastic subject for a book report!
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Posted June 22, 2010
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Overview
Silas Deane, a Connecticut merchant and member of the Continental Congress, went to France to persuade the king to support the colonists in their struggle with Britain. Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a playwright who had access to the arms and ammunition that Deane needed. And the Chevalier d'...on was a diplomat and sometime spy for the French king who ignited a crisis that persuaded the French to arm the Americans. This is the true story of how three remarkable people lied, cheated, stole, and cross-dressed across Europe to gain France's aid as the War of American Independence hung in the balance.