Rabble in Arms - Good Old Reads

Rabble in Arms covers a fascinating period as America began its adventure to define and establish itself. This novel could be a blessing for those who wish to invest significant effort and time into the Merrill family saga. For many of us, though, Rabble in Arms may simply be too much of a good thing.

High Point: Roberts’ depiction of Benedict Arnold portrays a positive image seldom associated with one known primarily for his betrayal.

Low Point: The deep dive into the details results in a very slow pace.

Author: Kenneth Roberts

Publication Date: 1933

Genre: Fiction – War

Illustration from 1947 edition of Rabble in Arms - Doubleday & Company

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A Slow March Through Revolutionary History

Rabble in Arms by Kenneth Roberts is an epic book from an epic series of historical fiction about the Merrill family in 18^th century New England. Those who enjoy a leisurely read in which they can immerse themselves will likely find this novel fascinating. But if you prefer your stories to be faster paced, you may wish to pass on this one.

Rabble in Arms is the 620-page third novel in this four-book series. This installment traces the adventures of two Arundel sons for a few months in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War, culminating in the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. While Roberts’ writing is clear and conversational—occasionally even exhibiting a dry humor—the deep dive into the American campaign in British-Canadian territory is detailed and slow. Roberts takes no shortcuts as he describes the hardships and devastating conditions endured by American troops during that period.

A Positive Spin on Benedict Arnold

As he does in his other books, Roberts places a positive spin on an otherwise notorious real-life character—in this case, Benedict Arnold. Arnold is portrayed as a highly-competent and inspirational American commander—accurately reflecting documented history prior to his defection to the British.

A Referral From an Army Doctor

I became aware of Rabble in Arms by Dr. Lawrence D. Collins’ reference to it in his book, The 56^th Evac Hospital: Letters of a WWII Army Doctor. Dr. Collins mentioned it as a favorite during the monotony between waves of casualties as he served in North Africa and Italy. No doubt, Dr. Collins shared an empathetic perspective with the novel’s characters as they endured the hardships of America’s first war.

The Pulitzer Prize

Roberts enjoyed a successful career creating historical fiction. Just prior to his death in 1957, Roberts was awarded a Pulitzer Price Special Citation for his body of work. According to the Pulitzer Board, Roberts’ historical novels had “long contributed to the creation of greater interest in our early American history.”

Rabble in Arms covers a fascinating period as America began its adventure to define and establish itself. This novel—and the other three in the series—could be a blessing for those who wish to invest significant effort and time into the Merrill family saga. For many of us, though, Rabble in Arms may simply be too much of a good thing.

Quotes

Where the British were, no man seemed sure, though there was not one of us but knew they were close. The cannon had come down from the barracks again and been placed in the road, just beyond us, behind a barrier of baskets filled with sand. They were four-pounders, those guns, nice for leaning against a door for holding it open, but not the best means for stopping the British army.