Rabble in Arms

Chronicles of Arundel #3

by Kenneth Roberts

The second of Roberts's epic novels of the American Revolution, Rabble in Arms was hailed by one critic as the greatest historical novel written about America upon its publication in 1933. Love, treachery, ambition, and idealism motivate an unforgettable cast of characters in a magnificent novel renowned not only for the beauty and horror of its story but also for its historical accuracy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American Revolution, Historical, Classics, War, American History

586 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Kenneth Lewis Roberts, a noted American, wrote his historical novels, including Northwest Passage (1937), about the colonial period.

Roberts worked first as a then popular nationally known journalist with the Saturday Evening Post from 1919 to 1928. Roberts specialized in regionalist historical fiction. He often wrote about terrain of his native state and also depicted other upper states and scenes of New England. He for example depicts, the main characters in Arundel and Rabble in Arms from Kennebunk, then called Arundel; the main character of Northwest Passage from Kittery, Maine, with friends in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the main character in Oliver Wiswell from Milton, Massachusetts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth...

Reviews

[Breck Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

All too often, sequels are pushed out in a wretched manner of furthering both the author and publisher’s ego in an effort to add to their pockets and prestige—regardless of the story’s relatedness to the original arc and its content. Rabble in Arms is the direct opposite to this approach, as it perfectly exceeds the original in its depth and appeal, learning from a few minor flaws by replacing awkward and forced romantic drama with an abundance of historically accurate characters and battles.

The book begins in England, following the conversation of the main character Peter Merrill and his brother Nathaniel, as they try to find a seaward passage to their hometown of Arundel. Roberts appropriately has them meet and become a party to the original characters of the first novel (both good and evil alike) including Cap Huff, Steven Nason, Benedict Arnold, and several new characters that are brilliantly developed. These engaging personalities help to provide a view of the war effort and its incompetent power-hungry congressmen, militia, and officers that jealously handicapped more worthy and capable commanders such as Arnold, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan and Richard Varick. Roberts has brilliantly focused less on the inhabitants of Arundel and the nostalgia surrounding the town, and instead captures the battles at Valcour Island, Bemis Heights, Freeman’s Farm in their minute-by-minute glory. All the while, he brings due respect and justice for the likes of both Schuyler and Arnold’s efforts and achievements in the Revolution:

The world’s full of nincompoops that want to pull all mankind down to their level. They hate prominence, on general principles. Let them hear a man’s name repeated more than a dozen times, and they hate him without knowing why. They magnify his faults out of all recognition; and if he hasn’t any, they invent ’em for him. Easton and Brown hated me, and so did Hazen, but they started by being jealous of me. General Schuyler’s case can’t be much different. There’s plenty of men sweating with jealousy of Schuyler’s money and position—who think he shouldn’t have both; and so they’d like to snatch his position for themselves. Therefore, they circulate absurd stories about him. Jealousy’s a terrible power in the world.

As is appropriate for a profound work of historical fiction, the reader will have a strong desire to look into the backgrounds of those pivotal men and battles already discussed, especially the idolized and perhaps disgraceful figures interpreted such as Gates, Wilkinson, Arthur St. Clair, and Ethan Allen. There is by far less flowery conversation and overly-dramatic speeches then the previous work, and—as mentioned—Roberts has created distinct characters and captured historic figures that are memorable through their relatability and understanding. While there is indeed a sense of closure as the series proceeds on to the War of 1812, the reader no doubt will wonder about the potential Roberts might have had in using his magnificent talents for covering the further years of the war up until the final Surrender at Yorktown.

[Chris Gager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the previous installment, "Arundel," within the last year and have been meaning to pick up where that one left off. This one has some of the same characters, including Benedict Arnold, evidently one of the most misunderstood figures in American history. Should be fun! My edition is a hardbound standard book(i.e. not a Kindle) from 1947. Decent condition. Illustrations/portraits by Esta Cosgrave in the style of various Colonial portraitists. "Book club edition" from Doubleday. Original copyright - 1933.

Off to a flying start last night as we meet some new characters and re-encounter at least one from "Arundel." This book picks up not too long after the ending of that book.

Peter and Nathaniel are back in Arundel and learning about the perils of being wishy-washy when it comes to supporting the growing war of rebellion against England. I remember my mother talking about this book way back when she was reading it. In the 1950's as I recall. She was describing how the "Tories" in New England were persecuted and in some cases abruptly shipped off to Canada(Halifax, etc.) w/o their property. There was to some degree a justified concerned about spying and other kinds of support by certain locals, particularly those well off, for the oppressors. I used to work at the Bowdoin Art Museum and they had a portrait of a certain wealthy Mr. Flucker(by John Singleton Copley) of Boston who fled to England when the war broke out. Great picture!

Our lads have had little time to rest at home before they are swept up in Army recruitment via Steven, Cap and Doc Means. Phoebe's there too. They're off to fight the British in Canada south of Quebec, up by Burlington and Lake Champlain.

Moving along and learning WAY more than previously about this vital part of the Revolutionary War. The colonial army was very much beset by "issues" in lower Quebec in the time leading up to the triumph of Saratoga. Smallpox, malnutrition, incompetent officers, Generals bickering ... poor support from the new government etc.

Moving along as the author gives us the up-close-and-personal account of the trials and sufferings of the Colonial forces in Quebec. They are now falling back from Quebec into northern Vermont. Things WILL get better ... eventually. History tells us that much. Roberts is telling us how and doing a bang-up job of it.

Things have settled down a bit as both sides must construct a "navy" to do battle on Lake Champlain. FINALLY Peter learns of the real origins of the spy Marie de Sabrevois. He still hasn't talked to Nathaniel or Steven Nason about it yet. He's still moon-ey about the cutie-pie Ellen. That whole side story is a distraction, though KR obviously wants to include the espionage/betrayal/ sabotage/propaganda part of the history as well. A little of that goes a long way in this essentially military history.

I'll pass the midpoint tonight as The first real engagement in the history of the American Navy will be fought with the British on Lake Champlain. BOTH sides had to stop doing what they were doing and build their little flotillas especially for the upcoming battle. Control of the Lake for the British was essential for them to to be able to proceed to Albany as planned, link up with a British army coming north, and cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. Didn't happen, and the rest, as they say, is history. Kind of sad to read of Benedict Arnold's abilities and achievements for the rebels knowing what will come about later.

Finally, some battle action, and it proves to be loud, chaotic, nasty and bloody. Also momentous in the vein of Little Round Top in the Civil War. That is to say, a "hinge" event. The author makes it clear that the Battle of Valcour Island, though unknown to most Americans and technically a defeat, caused a big delay in the progress of Burgoyne's army southward, and set the stage for his ultimate defeat at Saratoga. That victory preserved our ever-fragile union of states to keep on fighting to eventual victory further south. Also the first real naval battle for an American Navy.

So ... historically speaking, there's a delay at this point before the endgame of Saratoga takes place. The author uses this to take us westward into Sac-and-Fox country with the captured Peter Merrill, Doc Means and Verrieul. This adventure is actually kind of a fun time and Roberts takes the opportunity he has created for himself to create a colorful and very sympathetic picture of 18th c. Native American/Canadian life. I'm sure he'll find a way to bring the lads back to the war when things begin to heat up again.

Approaching the dramatic endgame now after the wandering trio make back to the American side almost intact(fortunes of war) after having traveled to Green Bay(yes, THAT Green Bay) and back to Ticonderoga via canoe with their Indian captors. Arnold is nowhere in sight and has been passed over for advancement by five inferior officers. It's all there in Wiki. He'll be back ... And yes, there is a general literary connection between this and "The Last of the Mohicans."

So ... after last night's events the stage has been set for the Saratoga endgame with side highlights in the Mohawk Valley and at Bennington. Benedict Arnold to the rescue along with Schuyler(who will be replaced, for some reason). The author continues to harp on two themes: the wonderfulness of Arnold and the horrible-ness of the officer/leader corps of the Colonial forces. Two reasons(among others) stand out: the lack of military tradition compared to the British and the fear in Congress of allotting too much political/military power to one man in fear of the establishing of a military dictatorship. As much as they may have admired George Washington, they mistrusted him too.

Looks like tonight might bring the end of the story as the first battle of Freeman's Farm is over, as is Bennington and Arnold's rout of St. Leger in the Mohawk Valley. Schuyler has been replaced(recalled by Congress) by the cautious and tricky/political Gates and the second battle of Freeman's Farm and heroics by Arnold will be coming up next. Meanwhile the wounded Peter is sent out to rally militia support to come to Saratoga. His speech to some slackers who want to head back home has more than a bit of Hollywood in it. So now he's back and the endgame can begin. Violence and melodrama will ensue.

Finished last night as our lads return to Arundel, minus a few souls, although it seems that no one notices that Zelph(a slave) didn't make it. Roberts spends a few more paragraphs in defense of Benedict Arnold and indeed, assuming that the history is being told straight, there's no doubt that BA was dealt with harshly and unfairly by an impotent Congress. KR reminds us that the central government of the colonies consisted almost entirely of Congress. There was no President and no Senate. The biggest advantages the colonials had over the British was their great distance from England and the amount of territory England was forced to try to occupy. When he gets to 'splainin' the treason of Arnold he gets pretty vague, except to state that BA was afraid of the colonies being taken over by France. He doesn't get more specific than that. One is left wondering how and why the so-patriotic Arnold(as portrayed by Roberts) could have done what he did and one wonders if the great distance of years made it impossible for Roberts to be able to accurately delineate Arnold's character and motivations. That's history!

- a faint whiff of "The Three Musketeers" was finally detected.

- 4.25* rounds down to 4*.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and re-read this amazing title, along with it's prequel Arudel several times. Written 6 decades ago, it still is vibrant and alive, the characters are full of life, and become favorites. The bluff good hearted Cap Huff, old Doc Means and the rest of the cast are the types of literary heroes, "ordinary men doing extraordinary things" that inspire. I was particularly drawn to the story of Benedict Arnold, the man and the hero. While he was America's first 'traitor', his story, while Roberts perhaps over sympathizes with the man, is nevertheless fascinating.

[Steve]

Peter Merrill, our narrator, and his brother Nathaniel begin this story in England in service of their father’s shipping interests. There they meet Marie de Sabrevois and her “uncle” Mr. Leonard. Marie immediately captivates Nathaniel, who then long remains oblivious to her duplicity – Marie and her associate are cunning British spies. The brothers return to their Maine coastal home in the company of Mr. Leonard. Following events in Arundel, Peter and Nathaniel gather with other locals and march to join Benedict Arnold’s command. They again encounter Marie and Mr. Leonard, now M. Lanaudiere, near St. John’s on the Richelieu River. Slowly the pieces fall into place, though much misfortunate lies in store.

The plot takes us through battles between Americans and the British from the area around Montreal on the St. Lawrence down to General Burgoyne’s surrender following the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. While the Arundel contingent demonstrate plenty of backwoods cleverness, the author spares no criticism for the incompetent administration of the war – levied specifically at Congress and a roster of weak generals. In this narrative, Benedict Arnold never received the thanks he was due. His later defection then made sure of that. Regardless of subsequent events, Arnold is depicted as the best general America had with the possible exception of George Washington.

I thought more favorably for this book than I did Arundel. Still, the characters seemed flat, the romantic dimensions unleavened, the emotional effects of war largely left fallow. For those interested in reading about the northern battles in the American Revolution, there’s value to be found in this tale, though.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book did get better in the end, especially once there was actual battle, considering the book was supposed to be about the Revolutionary war. It was really interesting though to learn more about the true story of Benedict Arnold, when all we really remember him as is as a traitor. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I didn't have to read it as a summer reading assignment.

[Moby Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading in every American history class.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a long history with this book. In eighth grade we read both this and Oliver Wiswell In U S History. Even then, showing a side of the Revolutionary War that deviated from the stereotypical heroes versus villains tale, it was different enough to penetrate our brains as something of value.

Now reading this book forty years later I am surprised at the depth of this book. Honestly I question if in today’s environment you could teach this book at that grade level in any place but the most liberal enclaves. The constant denigration of Congress, supposed heroes like Horacio Gates, and, of course, the near constant veneration of Benedict Arnold would put this book outside the simple patriotic history expected in so many corners of the country.

The book follows two brothers, Peter and Nathaniel Merrill of Arundel, Maine as they join on an expedition to try to secure the Northern Border of New York and Vermont, including Lake Champlain, to prevent a British Invasion from Canada.

Hardships abound, spies, love, betrayal all one might expect. This book would have great value for anyone who would like to understand that in war, as in most anything, nothing is simply black and white. In truth everyone fights for different reasons and motivations, and many of them are not as simplistic as we prefer our history to be.

A few notes :

At one point in the story, Peter Merrill and his companions are captured by some Sac Indians. They are taken through a long journey through the waterways of Eastern Canada, in fact they end up West of Green Bay. While they are technically captives, Peter comments lengthily on the kindness and generosity of the Indians toward both them and each other. In general Roberts, as author, has much good to say about the Natives. Again, in the 1930’s when this was written, this was far from the general history of the average American viewpoint

A side note here. I have read recently that socialism only existed in pre agricultural communities. Once people stopped holding all land in unison it was inevitable that a structure of haves and have nots, or have mores would spring up.

In this story when the Sacs decide to welcome their captives into their tribe as full members. The Chief speaks to them but questions the society they came from. I will quote at length

“ we understand your great spirit gave you a book, the Bible, telling you how to live peacefully together, but that your people are too stupid to obey this book. Even without a book, we are able to do as our shamans tell us and so to live in peace. In your country, we here, men persecute other men for holding believes contrary to those which are popular. We hear your countrymen claim to be fighting for freedom and liberty, yet hold in innumerable slaves.
We are told your most honorable man deprive Indians of their land by fraud and misrepresentation: then sell it to their own people for large sums. Others, we here, hold beaver skins in greater veneration then bravery or honor, and employ men to poison and kill Indians in order to add to their store of beaver skins. In your country, we here, wrongdoers are choked to death like dogs: men shut up in prison when they cannot pay a debt, little children whipped for ignorant mistakes. Your great spirit, we are told, is cool, and showed his love for his own son by allowing him to be tortured and killed. We are told that when a man does wrong, you’re great spirit punishes that man’s sons and grandsons and great grandsons none of these things are proper or just, according to our views.

He continues: “ we hear that in your country a man is admitted to the highest councils if he has succeeded in stealing or hiding more pieces of money than his neighbors. We hear men put such a value on food and clothing that the poor often freeze and starve, even when thousands have plenty. We have heard nothing is so sacred in your country as the pursuit of wealth; that in its pursuit, a few men are permitted to dirty the waters of a river so that no other man can take fish from it, or to make a smoke over the land so that all the others find it hideous. We cannot credit it, but we have heard young men from your country will not fight unless paid for doing so, even when there homes are threatened: that only 1/10 of your young man will go to war, blow your nation beyond the brink of ruined.”

Our narrator then notes to the reader “ I didn’t dare meet Pahokuk’s eye. I was too ashamed.

Boy that’s a pretty powerful indictment of modern day America much less 1777.

Another aspect we don’t think about in the Revolutionary period is how much politicizing there was of the war. Not just the ineptness if Congress but the constant backbiting of the various Generals. This often led to soldiers being led to the most connected rather than the most talented leaders. Interestingly I recently finished Ron Chernow’s book on Ulysses Grant and it was much the same there.

After one such dealing with an incompetent General, our narrator, Peter Merrill, says to the reader

“ I saw I carried no wait whatever with him; he had repeat the story about Arnold the next time he had a chance. The vainer a man is, the tighter he clings to preconceived first notions; he’s afraid of someone accusing him of changing his mind, which would show he had been the all wise possessor of all knowledge from the moment of his birth. “ Now if that does not sound like someone we all know ....

Later a statement from Arnold regarding the constant slings and arrows thrown out about him by other Generals: “ the harm is done by the jealousy and credulity that makes up stories believed, -aye, and repeated, with more dirt added to them. I’ve come to believe that jealousy is the motive that accounts for almost everything that’s bad and wrong. No human being, I do believe, can achieve any unusual success, display any marked ability, without being attacked by jealous people. Nearly every man, after he passes his 30th year, is sour and jealousy. The world is full of nincompoops that want to put all mankind down to their level. They hate prominence, on general principles. Let them hear a man’s name repeated more than a dozen times, and I hate him without knowing why. They magnify his faults out of all recognition and if he hasn’t any they invent them for him.”

At one point in the story Merrill and his fellow scouts are on a mission. I thought the level of detail in the awareness of their surroundings described was pretty remarkable. “ The forest to the northward seemed deserted we watched for Indian signs: for crows flying hurriedly from the direction of the Fort Ann Road: for wisps of smoke: listened for the metallic cry with which a Bluejay comments on a passerby, we heard nothing. The sun came up a red ball: sign of a hot day. From behind us born on light-years from the west, candy order a wood smoke, the distant rattle of a drum in the fort, the bawing of a cow at Widow McNeil’s. It was a mournful bawing such as a cow makes when over full of milk. It occurred to me that if the cow was unmilked the widow, even though a Tory, might’ve taken precautions against the approach of Indians might have sought refuge in the fort. “

Now I don’t know about you. But identifying the sound of an unmilked cow seems pretty observant.

Lastly a point brought up several times is exchanging one rule or foreign influence for another: British for French for example. In light of the last few years of our American history, indeed Alexander Hamilton rebuke of the potential of a leader in thrall to a foreign influence this book can seem prescient.

This is a book that holds up incredibly well as historical fiction.

[Dannica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty good! I was disappointed that more characters didn't pass over from Arundel (especially the Abenaki characters for the most part) but it was still a very plotty and very historical novel, and there were a few fun new faces.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

We never should have won this war! Congress was practically useless! And Benedict Arnold was quite a general. It is amazing how a few people can change the course of history. Hopefully, we will continue to have these heroes.

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, Book Bingo: A Book Based on a True Story. You can read all about why I chose this book at the link.

Based on a quote at the beginning, a thank you to Booth Tarkington (!), and just flipping through the book itself, it looks as if this has a focus on Benedict Arnold which is a surprise. If so, this would have been quite a "revolutionary" attitude (couldn't help it, had to do it) at the time this book was written, some 60 years ago.. Roberts was known for digging up forgotten facts and taking a stand, however unpopular, as readers of Oliver Wiswell know. That book was told from the American Tory point of view and raised firestorm of protest when it came out. But they couldn't dispute Roberts on the history itself and that is what makes his books so interesting.

Looking forward to this very much.

UPDATE
Something I'd forgotten about Roberts' characters. They are almost always from Maine and have a stubborn New England attitude that makes me laugh, as I believe it is meant to do although it isn't ever played for laughs. (Cap Huff is for laughs, a la a revolutionary Falstaff.)

Protagonist Peter Merrill may have been to London but he displays many of the provincial attitudes of someone who never left Maine. He mistrusts a femme fatale not only for the knowing look he detects in her eyes but also because she says she went to school in Quebec. Wait, he thinks, all those schools would be convent schools. She must be Popish! (Quelle horreur!) Also, we find out that everyone should know a New Yorker is never going to measure up to a solid fellow from Maine.

I love these character quirks because it seems very true to the insular nature of those from the colonies at the time. Truth to tell, we've still got those insular quirks these days. Just ask any Texan about California. (And vice versa.)

FINAL
I'd give this 3-1/2 if I could. Ultimately it is not the equal of my favorite Roberts' novel, Oliver Wiswell, which does much the same service in showing the great American Revolutionary and British figures "warts and all." This is a good look at why it was such a shock when Benedict Arnold turned traitor because he'd fought so well and valorously before. We tend to forget that part and it is worth revisiting. This book is a good way to do that.

[Charles Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabble in Arms is Robert's very worthy novel set during the Revolutionary War in upper New York. He has his own opinions about the good and the bad and the brave and cowardly and I suspect that all of us filter such stories through our own personal beliefs. The story centers around a young man and his brother, who is in love with a woman on the wrong side of the fighting, and their adventures fighting for Benedict Arnold. It is not an Arnold story. To Roberts' credit, I think, he really tries to bring in all the players and sides of the war's many issues of which I imagine most of us haven't been exposed to much. The story can be awfully dreary at times because the grinding of the battles was dreary.

Much of the talk and drama around loyalties, competency, Congress, still resonate today and I think we probably ought to be asked to rethink our current history sometimes with regards to the trials and errors of our predecessors. This is Roberts' version of it, of course, historians and historical-fiction writers all have their version, too.

Roberts, I think, helps highlight the rumors, the myths, and hopefully many facts of the Revolutionary War. In the end, a good read not only for the history but for his graceful tour of upper New York and northern colonies during their most troubled time.
###

[Lynn Pribus · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm not much for historical novels, this is such a classic that I read it for a bimonthly piece I do for a military magazine. Although I grew up in NY state where history is much more about the Revolution than the Civil War, I didn't realize just how important Lake Champlain was to the Revolutionary War in the north. The "rabble" of the title comes from a sneering comment by the British General Burgoyne about the Colonists army which was "half-fed, half-armed and half-dressed" since Congress did not provide adequate funds.

The first-person narrator, a sea-going Maine man, is a great admirer of Benedict Arnold who was the key to the success at Saratoga, although he was not supported by Congress. It was several years later that Arnold, unpaid by Congress and tried for improprieties (found not guilty, although mildly censured by Washington) and deeply in debt conspired to betray West Point to the British.

Silly me, I red the last chapter through tears as the cadre of Mainers finally marched into their hometown of Arundel (now Kennebunkport)

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the story of the failed campaign by the US during the Revolutionary War to take and hold parts of southern Canada to control British movement and supplies. Like Arundel, it follows a young man starting out to war and is largely from his perspective as he grows and learns.

The book is pretty well written and holds attention most of the time, but is very episodic because of the nature of the campaign, and feels disjointed and lacking a constant narrative theme. There are many characters, but they are so similar in attitude and personality that many blend together and are difficult to tell apart.

And finally, the over the top excessive extreme hero worship of Benedict Arnold (this is before he turned on his people and joined the British out of petulant frustration) is so over the top it is difficult to stomach after a while.

This was a slow read for me, and I don't recommend it

[Steven Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the early 1930s (1933), Rabble in Arms is Roberts’s follow-on to Arundel.
Roberts again demonstrates his skill as a historian and storyteller.
Historically, the outline and structure of the book is accurate as are the major historic figures. The most important protagonist is Benedict Arnold. Up to this point in time, he has shown himself to be a brave and capable battlefield commander. This characterization continues in Arundel, with the focus being the lake battle of Valcour Island, which blunts the British move south in their attempt to split the colonies. Ultimately this delay leads to the American victory at Saratoga and the eventual entry of France into the war.
This book moves quickly and is a joy to read. It is an easy way to learn about the history of this era. One wonders what Benedict Arnold’s legacy would have been if he had never committed treason, but had continued to show the courage and skill in battle that he demonstrated at Valcour Island.

[Davy Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I read it as a young man in the early 1980s I think.
Since I read it I have explored my genealogy and am now in Son's of the American Revolution.
I grew in in Indiana near the Ohio line, 60 miles south of Ft Wayne. I had two ancestors on my Moms side that came to my Moms small Indiana hometown in later life after fighting in the Revolution. One from Massachusetts and one from the Lower Hudson Valley in NY. Both Continental side.

My impressions of this book in looking back thru the haze of my life are that he captured my imagination with the pictures he painted of Canada and upstate NY. Do I remember specifics, no. Lake Champlain I remember. Also remember the author seemed to be pro British which I just went with and thought it was a unique perspective. I always was pretty much pro English to an extent, at least viewed them in a positive light, and as kindred souls.

[Henry Staunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabble in Arms by Kenneth Roberts is a historical fiction book about two brothers from Maine who go to fight for their country's independence in the American Revolution, and the challenges they face throughout the war. This book has been praised for its historical accuracy, giving the reader a unique first person perspective into the fighting that occurred in the northern theater during the American Revolution, and thus is a great read for anyone who is interested in learning about the American Revolution. For the person who cares not so much about historical accuracy and more about story, the book still has much to offer, featuring a cast of extremely memorable and diverse characters, many of which were real people who had actually been involved in the revolution.

[Liz Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a lot of feelings about this book.
Objectively speaking, this book is kind of wild. The protagonist and two of his friends were Indian captives in between the two big battles--that just seems like an extreme way to fill time, but it's effective at raising the stakes. Also Cap Huff and Doc Means are really weird characters, fun but weird. However, the Arundel boys--Cap, Steven Nanson, Tom Bickford, Doc, and the Merrill brothers are a tight squad and fun to be around. For the record, I have fan cast Chris Pratt as Cap Huff.
I've read that Benedict Arnold referred to the soldiers who fought under him on the American side as "brave boys." Rabble in Arms and Arundel are the stories of the brave boys.
It's one thing to read about the events retold in these novels in history books, but from the perspective of these fictional characters you really GET IT. The Revolutionary War was a struggle for the ordinary men who fought in it. Roberts really gets you into the blood, sweat, and tears and the details of every thing that these guys had to do in order to protect their own people from the British Empire.
I'm 100% convinced that the author is a Benedict Arnold stan. Arnold in these novels of his is just the NEATEST guy, he will ride or die for the Arundel boys as much as they do for him, you get a really good sense of how much the soldiers who fought under him just admired him. The passages where Arnold is featured or even discussed by other characters read like a love letter. I do not currently have much desire to read any of Roberts' other books but I know that he specializes in adventure stories, so I can see why a daring military figure such as Arnold would appeal to a writer in this genre.
Why is this such a big deal to me? To summarize, I've had this weird obsession with Arnold since I was a tween (thank you Liberty's Kids). It's an obsession I've had a difficult time coming to terms with. I thought I was the only weirdo on the planet who felt this way about Benedict Arnold. To read about him in the works of Kenneth Roberts is extremely validating. 10/10 recommended reading for BASA (Benedict Arnold Stans Anonymous--are you out there?)
My request list for the Arundel/Rabble in Arms miniseries: Steve Nason and Cap Huff following Arnold to Fort Stanwix and fighting at the battle of Freeman's Farm, seeing as Peter Merrill was on a sidequest at the time. And of course I want to see the arc where Nathaniel is a captive in the British camp but he slowly comes to realize that he messed up big time.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another of those books whose title and subject I was exposed to in high school but could not and did not read then. James Fennimore Cooper’s books the remain in this category, although I immensely enjoyed screen version of “Last of the Mohicans.” This was for “Rabble in Arms” partly due to my ignorance of the historical setting, some aspects of the topic, and the thick flowing verbiage. I have overcome most of that with age, a life-long reading plan, much reading of whole books, and a long military background. Still, speed reading techniques learned over the decades allow me to skim long passages of dense verbiage – much to Rupert Hughes’ disgust I imagine (he is quoted in my 1947 edition) – and focus on some pertinent and poignant prose. One example of this is Roberts’ unflattering description of the Continental Congress (pg. 578). Another is his disdain for Americans embracing mediocrity (pg. 518), which has a ringing applicability in post-modern America.

What surprised me most were the conclusions our main character Peter Merrill makes about Benedict Arnold. Suffice it to say that Merrill was so close to Arnold, as he is consistently identified perhaps to blur the connection to many unfamiliar with military history, that he is sympathetic toward the man. Call it one dimensional admiration based solely on one’s personal observations without knowing all of the facts in the case. In any case he argues in Arnold’s defense that he was a patriot worthy of that admiration. No one can argue against Arnold’s battlefield performance but neither can one disregard his treason regarding West Point. Disgust with lack of recognition remains one of the hallmark reasons for traitors, even to this day.

All of that aside, Roberts’ story of Merrill in the first years of our Revolution is quite a sweeping tale in the style of Herman Wouk, James Clavell, and Louis L’Amour. I enjoyed it and made good use of the map on the inside cover to follow the action.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

When thirteen-year-old Douglas Cubbison read this book, it led him to a career as an historian and author of a scholarly history of the Northern Army in 1776. I read his book first, and now, having read Rabble in Arms, I can see why. Kenneth Roberts book brings to life historical figures as seen through the eyes of a few fictional characters.
The book is an ode to, or defense of, Benedict Arnold which Roberts summarizes in the second to last chapter. Good for Roberts. As some historians have said, if it wasn’t for Arnold’s defection to the British he would be remembered as one of the greatest Americans every, right behind Washington.
Rabble in Arms is the exciting tale of Benedict Arnold’s retreat from Canada and subsequent “victory” at Valcour Island, a victory in what he wanted to accomplish, not a physical defeat of the British, but a delay of their advance south. A delay which gave the Northern Army the time it needed to prepare for the final encounter a year later at Saratoga.
But read Arundel first.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabble in Arms – An Historical Novel – Published 1940 - ***** - Historical novel of the Revolutionary War and the campaigns in the north centering on Lake Champlain. Peter Merrill, a ship captain from Arundel north of Boston, is a fictitious character who becomes a scout serving under Benedict Arnold. Roberts interplay Cap Huff and old Doc Means to provide many light moments in this sweeping and detailed recounting of the war the United states should have lost. History comes alive with the tale telling showing what life and war were like in eighteenth century America. The story is masterfully told with the only slow spot being a trip to the west that highlights Native American lifestyles. The books by Roberts may be lengthy but they are engrossing. Any fan of early United States History should be a fan of Roberts. This was my second time reading the novel after a lapse of forty years and it was even better with a more mature perspective.

[Jon Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of America's great historical novels centered on a period of the Revolutionary War that's not so well understood or recognized for its significance. Roberts' characters are well developed, likeable, and fascinating--the scouts as a unit, display every virtue and loyalty that makes for a fine tuned and successful group of warriors.

The story is a leadership laboratory for how to/how not to lead soldiers in wartime and warfighters in battle. Mr Roberts' focus on the British disinformation campaign is memorable. I particularly enjoyed learning so much more about the brilliance of General Benedict Arnold and his important early role in the making of America. Well done!

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand that this book was widely read by school children in the 1950s as it provides a fun historical fiction of the Continental Army's retreat from Quebec to the victory at Saratoga. The story mostly follows a few ordinary soldiers but the real hero is Benedict Arnold, who is constantly upheld as the only competent general in the army, yet who is also constant back-stabbed by his political enemies in the Army and Congress. I wonder how much of this is exaggerated to fit the narrative.

On the down side, the book is long and the dialogue is a little lame. It gets kind of old and I found myself pushing through to finish the book.

[Steve Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberts provides the back story and insight into how the British successes leading up to the battle of Saratoga led to the revolutionary victory. Arnold's strategic brilliance and commanding leadership is shown to be particularly effective in the otherwise weak leadership on both sides.

It shows the pernicious assault on Arnold's reputation as the battle behind the war. This insight into how public consciousness and opinion can be manipulated is a timeless lesson.

There are many insights into little explored elements, such as the role of disease, tribal involvement and technical innovation.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading for the historically accurate references and descriptions of battles of the Northern Campaign: Quebec, Ticonderoga, Valcour Island, Bemis Heights. I kept reading because the story is interesting and very engaging. If you have any interest in the American Revolution, I highly recommend this historical novel -- but get a paper back copy! The Kindle copy I read was riddled with typographical errors, as if the electronic version had been badly scanned from a printed copy: "li" often became "h," and "s" sometimes appears as "f" in the Kindle version.

[Brett Hooton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel that exceeds the expectations of the prequel. It is a heavy read, but one that entices you to slow down and dig deep into the story. This piece of historical fiction made me want to dig deeper into the recorded history of many of the characters.

While written in the early 20th century, and describing events in the late 18th century, I often found myself commenting on how accurate many of the descriptions would be today.

[Alison Fulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel of sorts to Arundel this historical novel follows a group of citizens of Arundel during the campaign to prevent the British from invading the nascent US from Canada down Lake Champlain and onwards. It is densely written with long and technical battle scenes but is ultimately worth the read for the history and the various interesting characters.

[Carol Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third reading

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.

[L.E. Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the very best historical fiction novels of the American Revolution. If you have any interest at all in the Revolution, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Kenneth Roberts is a master of the craft. He knows how to create characters without changing history, which is one reason why he is perhaps my favorite author of all time.

[Numidica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, and my only caveat is that at the very end of the book, Roberts seemed to vaguely suggest that there was a justification for Arnold's defection to the British and his attempted betrayal of the West Point fort on the Hudson. There is not. Otherwise it's a good galloping read.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read... captured my attention immediately, and held it throughout. I had live up in the Saratoga Springs-Albany area and was aware of this history yet never really pursued research at the time. Of course now I am looking for bio's of Benedict Arnold and the Northern campaign.