List of maps -- Author's note -- Part One: To arms-1775. War -- Fort Ticonderoga -- Public Calamity -- The welfare of the continent -- Above the common race of men -- The most terrible night -- Part Two: A fighting general-1776. On the lake -- Stained with blood -- Part Three: In hell before night-1777. Dearer than life -- Devilish fighting fellow -- A faithful soldier -- Or die in the attempt -- Freeman's farm -- Now or never -- We will have some fun -- Part Four: Downfall-1780. Trust -- Explanations -- Life and death -- Acknowledgments -- Notes -- Selected bibliography -- Index

"A gripping exploration of the intense psychology and character of Benedict Arnold, arguing that he was essential to victory before he was a traitor Benedict Arnold committed treason- for more than two centuries, that's all that most Americans have known about him. Yet Arnold was much more than a turncoat-his achievements during the early years of the Revolutionary War defined him as the most successful soldier of the era. GOD SAVE BENEDICT ARNOLD tells the gripping story of Arnold's rush of audacious feats-his capture of Fort Ticonderoga, his Maine mountain expedition to attack Quebec, the famous artillery brawl at Valcour Island, the turning-point battle at Saratoga-that laid the groundwork for our independence. Arnold was a superb leader, a brilliant tactician, a supremely courageous military officer. He was also imperfect, disloyal, villainous. One of the most paradoxical characters in American history, and one of the most interesting. GOD SAVE BENEDICT ARNOLD does not exonerate him for his treason-the stain on his character is permanent. But Kelly's insightful exploration of Arnold's career as a warrior shines a new light on this gutsy, fearless, and enigmatic figure. In the process, the book offers a fresh perspective on the reasons for Arnold's momentous change of heart"--