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The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution
When the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, thirty-two-year-old Nathanael Greene, a self-educated Quaker with no military experience, dismayed his family and marched toward Boston as general of the Rhode Island provincial army. General George Washington recognized his unwavering belief in American independence and the qualities that catapulted him to a major general in the Continental Army.
From the hard lessons learned on the battlefields of New York, to his appointment as Quartermaster General during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, his role in convicting the British spy who colluded to obtain the plans to West Point, to the godsend who took command of the ragged remnants of the Southern Continental Army, Nathanael Greene’s complex perseverance and brilliant strategies broke military doctrines.
This is the story of the man who rose to become a national hero by resuscitating and then propelling the American states to victory in their war for independence and the personal cost of that war.
"In The Line of A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution , Salina Baker has given readers an insight into the realm of the possible. The Line of Splendor is clearly a work of love…. Join her, as she invites you into The Line of A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution. " — Ricardo A. Herrera, 18th and 19th century American military history historian, Professor U.S. Army War College, Department of National Security and Strategy; author of Feeding Washington’s Army
From the hard lessons learned on the battlefields of New York, to his appointment as Quartermaster General during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, his role in convicting the British spy who colluded to obtain the plans to West Point, to the godsend who took command of the ragged remnants of the Southern Continental Army, Nathanael Greene’s complex perseverance and brilliant strategies broke military doctrines.
This is the story of the man who rose to become a national hero by resuscitating and then propelling the American states to victory in their war for independence and the personal cost of that war.
"In The Line of A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution , Salina Baker has given readers an insight into the realm of the possible. The Line of Splendor is clearly a work of love…. Join her, as she invites you into The Line of A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution. " — Ricardo A. Herrera, 18th and 19th century American military history historian, Professor U.S. Army War College, Department of National Security and Strategy; author of Feeding Washington’s Army
- GenresHistorical Fiction
728 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2023
135 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Salina B. Baker
8 books22 followersSalina is a multiple award-winning historical fiction author, presenter, and historian of the American Revolution. She has done presentations at places such as History Camp Boston, Valley Forge, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the General Nathanael Greene Homestead, Cowpens National Battlefield, Camden Revolutionary War Visitor Center, and Sons of the American Revolution/Daughters of the American Revolution chapters. She has also been interviewed on podcasts including Revolution 250, American Revolution Podcast, and Emerging Revolutionary War. In addition, she writes articles for the Journal of the American Revolution. Salina lives in Austin, Texas with her loving husband, John.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 9, 2023
This novel about Nathanael Greene perfectly blends history and imagination to create a very informative story. The tenacity required to turn a Quaker with no military experience into a general of the Rhode Island provincial army and then a close participant with George Washington in the war of independence is inspiring. The way major participants, events, and locations are portrayed is very thorough, but always with the touch of human relationships. It makes me want to visit those historic locations!
I received an ARC from the author, but this is my opinion.
I received an ARC from the author, but this is my opinion.
October 27, 2023
This novel has plenty of drama with all the obstacles, set backs and disappointments that General Greene's Southern Continental Army had to overcome.
Every American should know Nathanael and Caty Greene's story. We should all be grateful for their sacrifice.
Every American should know Nathanael and Caty Greene's story. We should all be grateful for their sacrifice.
October 20, 2023
Great book
History we never knew. From the beginning of the war until the end. He was quite a man, soldier and leader.
History we never knew. From the beginning of the war until the end. He was quite a man, soldier and leader.
Read
March 9, 2024MWSA Review
The Line of Splendor by Salina B Baker is a 610-page book set during the American Revolutionary War. The book provides lots of details about the misery of the American troops as the various states tried to come together as a country. There was no American army—only militias and short-term contractors, most of whom were poorly prepared to do battle. Only Nathaniel Greene’s Rhode Islanders had some semblance of military order and discipline, thanks to his brief training before the war. The book also shows how the interference of politicians negatively impacted General Washington’s ability to carry on the battle. In addition to all the military information, the personal side of not only Greene’s life but that of other officers, including George Washington, is detailed. At times, it is difficult to follow the timeline of the story because dates are not always given. Many of the minor skirmishes could have been summarized rather than being detailed. Sometimes the story omits explanations of why characters acted as they did.
Review by Nancy Kauffman (March 2024)
The Line of Splendor by Salina B Baker is a 610-page book set during the American Revolutionary War. The book provides lots of details about the misery of the American troops as the various states tried to come together as a country. There was no American army—only militias and short-term contractors, most of whom were poorly prepared to do battle. Only Nathaniel Greene’s Rhode Islanders had some semblance of military order and discipline, thanks to his brief training before the war. The book also shows how the interference of politicians negatively impacted General Washington’s ability to carry on the battle. In addition to all the military information, the personal side of not only Greene’s life but that of other officers, including George Washington, is detailed. At times, it is difficult to follow the timeline of the story because dates are not always given. Many of the minor skirmishes could have been summarized rather than being detailed. Sometimes the story omits explanations of why characters acted as they did.
Review by Nancy Kauffman (March 2024)
December 1, 2023
Salina B. Baker brings the history of our nation’s founding to life in The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution. In her presentation, we live alongside General Greene, his wife Caty, and others as they sacrifice more than eight years of their lives to gift us the unique Republic we enjoy today.
Few know of the personal, health, and financial price the Patriots paid in addition to war injuries or death in combat or from disease, weather, or starvation.
Baker tells us of their determination, tenacity, and commitment to “The Cause,” which deserves our respect and admiration. We AmeriCANS must learn and honor their sacrifice, and teach our children and descendants so they may protect and pass our liberty to successor generations.
Thank you, Salina B. Baker, for informing, educating, and inspiring us to cherish our country and citizenship while entertaining us.
Richard V. Battle – Award-winning author of books including Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS
Few know of the personal, health, and financial price the Patriots paid in addition to war injuries or death in combat or from disease, weather, or starvation.
Baker tells us of their determination, tenacity, and commitment to “The Cause,” which deserves our respect and admiration. We AmeriCANS must learn and honor their sacrifice, and teach our children and descendants so they may protect and pass our liberty to successor generations.
Thank you, Salina B. Baker, for informing, educating, and inspiring us to cherish our country and citizenship while entertaining us.
Richard V. Battle – Award-winning author of books including Made in America by AmeriCANS not AmeriCANTS
November 17, 2023
I was very disappointed in this book. After reading 57 pages I determined it wasn’t for me.
I found that, rather than an historical novel it was more a love story using historical figures. As a Rhode Islander, I appreciated the references to local figures, locations and occurrences but each time I started to get into it Nathanial and his wife were kissing and talking about the upcoming birth of a child. Perhaps I didn’t give it a chance but as in the saying about life being too short to drink S@#&Y beer, it’s too short to read silly books.
I found that, rather than an historical novel it was more a love story using historical figures. As a Rhode Islander, I appreciated the references to local figures, locations and occurrences but each time I started to get into it Nathanial and his wife were kissing and talking about the upcoming birth of a child. Perhaps I didn’t give it a chance but as in the saying about life being too short to drink S@#&Y beer, it’s too short to read silly books.
September 21, 2024
Titled a Novel but Historically Accurate
I usually stay away from historical fiction about topics I’m familiar with due to inconsistencies. I follow Salina Baker on Twitter/X and she always posts interesting things so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did! Reads easy like a novel but has so many accurate historical events within. Looking forward to her next book - I think on Joseph Warren.
I usually stay away from historical fiction about topics I’m familiar with due to inconsistencies. I follow Salina Baker on Twitter/X and she always posts interesting things so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did! Reads easy like a novel but has so many accurate historical events within. Looking forward to her next book - I think on Joseph Warren.
February 10, 2024
History brought to life! Meticulously researched, sympathetically and intelligently written. Salina Baker brings all our Revolutionary War heroes into our living room and makes us care about them in a personal way. Don't miss out on this wonderful read! A must for any Revolutionary War buff in particular and all history lovers in general.
January 6, 2025
Nathanael Greene: Rhode Island native, second in command to George Washington, Savior of the South during the Revolutionary War. His love for his wife Caty, his battles with Congress to keep his soldiers clothed and fed. He was a hero who deserved more recognition but died a pauper.
September 23, 2024
a very readable novel of General Greene
Well written biographical novel setting forth the life of Nathanael Greene and his role in the American Revolution.
A good read
Well written biographical novel setting forth the life of Nathanael Greene and his role in the American Revolution.
A good read
July 13, 2024
I did not know a great deal about Nathaniel Greene beyond a cursory overview of his role in the Continental Army. But in this biographical novel, the author has provided an exhaustive exploration of both his public and private life which has expanded my knowledge about him and his contributions to the revolution. I especially appreciated the inclusion of his home life as an important aspect of the chronicle, quoting directly from a selection of his letters to his wife, family, and other intimates. This created a well-rounded portrait of his character which cannot simply be reduced to his military service but reminds readers that he was a husband, father, and friend. I applaud the author for the extensive research she put into this work about a dedicated and dependable patriot who proved long-suffering in the service of his cause. I look forward to reading the author's upcoming biographical novel on Dr. Joseph Warren, one of the first major martyrs of the revolution.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews