Henry Knox: Visionary General of the American Revolution

by Mark Puls

Mark Puls delivers a compelling portrait of the Revolutionary War general who played a key role in all of George Washington's battles.During the Siege of Boston, Henry Knox's amazing 300 mile transport of forty nine cannons from Ticonderoga saved the city. Building upon his talent for logistics, Knox engineered Washington's famous Christmas night passage to safety across the Delaware River. And it was the general's tactical successes that made the final victory at Yorktown possible. With riveting battle scenes, inspiring patriotism, and vivid prose, Puls breathes new life into the American Revolution and firmly re-establishes Knox in his deserved place in history.

Genres: Biography, History, American Revolution, American History, Nonfiction, American Revolutionary War, Military Fiction

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Grumpus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography of one of the most underrated heroes of the American Revolution.

I knew him only as the man who dragged the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in order to help expel the British from the city—giving Washington his first victory of the war. There is however, much, much more to his life story.

He always happened to be where history was being made—from the Boston Massacre to every battle with Washington throughout the war. The military aspect is obviously what he is known for but the story of his personal life was equally compelling. The story of his courtship with Lucy Flucker the daughter of a Loyalist and Knox's efforts to win Father Flucker's blessing to wed made for an interesting read. There was no mention of any attempt to solicit Mother Flucker's blessing. LOL. Their life together (used loosely as they were frequently apart but did find time to have 12 children) is equally poignant. How they were able to "soldier on" through their lives with all the hardships that befell them is truly amazing. Again, the military aspect is only part of the story. The personal lives of these men and their families need also to be considered in order to understand the full magnitude of their devotion to country.

For trivia buffs, he was the first to refer to Washington as the Father of his country.

I am now adding Henry Knox to my list of favorite Revolutionary era favorites which include only Washington, Adams, and Hamilton. These men and their families sacrificed so much for the freedoms and liberties we take for granted today. I strongly recommend this book to get a new perspective of this historic time through the eyes and thoughts of this great man.

[Arminius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished this book when I traded in my worn out Nook for a new color Nook. The book tells the story of one of America’s somewhat forgotten heroes. Henry Knox was a surprisingly thin tall strapping teenager who was part of a Boston gang who battled another Boston gang in street fights. Henry loved to fight and was extremely good at it according to accounts of the day. But as well as being a brawler he was a very affable and smart young man. He decided to open a Book Store in Boston and his good nature personality drew people to his store. He was an avid reader and even taught himself French by the use of his books.

When tensions with mother England broke out he was immersed from the start in the revolutionary movement. Samuel Adams and John Hancock resided in his neighborhood and he absorbed their passionate pleas disobeying England’s revenue enhancers placed on her colonies. When the Boston Massacre happened Henry was there trying to stop its unfortunate conclusion.

When war broke out he furiously studied Artillery tactics and employed them in the colonies valiant stand at Bunker Hill. He gained recognition after transporting 59 canons over treacherous snowy mountains from Ticonderoga into the much needed Colonial troop’s hands.

His skills were noticed by the Boston legislature and he was given an Officer’s commission. George Washington quickly utilized Henry’s expertise and put him in charge of the revolution’s artillery. His use of Artillery to lead the battle was employed in the Colonies victory in Trenton and essential to their decisive victory and America’s Independence secured at the Battle of Yorktown.

After the war, Washington quickly tapped him to be the country’s first Defense Secretary. As a measure for security purposes he proposed a military training institution at West Point. He ably downsized the country’s military to just 700 soldiers. He also set up a coastal defense system along the east coast. Setting up the new nation’s Navy may have been his greatest achievement as a Secretary though. His decision to build super sized frigates that were able to defeat large European Ship-of War and smaller Barbary pirate ships proved essential to America’s defense.

The odd things I found out about him are that while ordinary soldiers were starving he somehow ballooned in weight. He also had 13 children, most of them during the War. Unfortunately and sadly 10 of them died before their teenage years. He also envisioned the three branches described in the U.S. constitution years before James Madison wrote it.

I like how the author described the close relationship between George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Knox and points out Thomas Jefferson’s disrespect for those who won our great country’s freedoms.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Knox as the fat bookseller who dragged the cannon from Ticonderoga over the Berkshires in winter so that Washington could use them to drive the British out of Boston on March 17, 1776. I did not know what a great career he had after that. Although the book is not as well written as it could be, it has one of the best summary chapters I've seen in recent years. I would recommend this for any American Revolution buff.

Another interesting note - Knox attended Boston Latin School for only one year before he was apprenticed to a bookseller at age 9. He was the sole support of his mother and younger brother after his father deserted the family. While working in the bookshop he educated himself in many subjects including military strategy, tactics and history, calculus and French (he translated for the French generals who came over to support the revolution.) The author notes that since Knox had studied Latin for one year, he was able to teach himself French easily. Those who think that Shakespeare could not have written his works because he only attended a Latin Grammar school (like the one Knox attended) should take note. I believe that Shakespeare, like Knox, was a self-taught genius.

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this biography of General Washington's artillery commander and right hand man, and found it to deserve the high ratings it has received. It contains a good bibliography and index, though a few maps or illustrations would have been nice. Recommended!

Knox was a bookseller in Boston, and this 19 year old was present at the Boston Massacre (later giving direct witness testimony) and the Boston Tea Party. After the opening shots of the revolution were fired, he led a group to drag 59 cannon more than 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge. When these guns were used to liberate Boston, George Washington claimed his first victory of the war. He was at Valley Forge, crossing the Delaware with cannons on that fateful Christmas night. He was in direct command of the artillery at Yorktown during the battle that led to the surrender of Cornwallis and the end of the war.

He was nearly as influential in peacetime, acting as Secretary of War, drawing up plans for West Point and dealing with Shay's rebellion. He and Washington used their influence to make sure the veterans were paid. He called for a new constitution, and provided a plan for bicameral government to Washington who quoted from it extensively in correspondence to Madison.

Most reviewers laud praise on this book; only a few would recommend a biography published in 1960 instead. If based on the paragraphs above you want to know more about the Forrest Gump of the American Revolution, I found this book to be comprehensive and readable.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Knox was only in his 20s when he started doing great things in founding a nation. That's what
revolutionary times do for some people. Some get to zoom to the top because talents they might have
become very valuable.

I don't think anyone would have picked Knox to wind up in the first Cabinet of a new nation growing
up. He was a poor kid growing up in Boston and associated with some of the rough street gangs of
the time. He was taken in as an apprentice by a bookshop owner and taught the art of binding as a
teen. It also afforded him the opportunity to read a lot and he educated himself in many things. Most
of all in military matters, specifically ordnance.

Knox was a witness of the famous Boston Massacre of 1771 at the age of 21 and from then on he was
committed to revolution. When it came his self taught military training came in handy. He comes
to prominence first when he is in charge of an expedition to get some really heavy cannon out of
Fort Ticonderoga at Lake Champlain and bring it Boston to relieve the city under British occupation.
Those formidable weapons looking down on high to Boston harbor and their firepower forced the
British army to leave Boston. That also brought him to the attention of George Washington the
new commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

Had that not been the case Knox probably would have reverted to his background as a Sons of Liberty type radical with Sam Adams and Tom Paine as role models. Instead this man now in high
command found as did many the ideal father figure in George Washington. He became a believer
in a strong national government as did others with Washington like Nathanael Greene, Daniel Morgan, Lord Stirling, most of all Alexander Hamilton. A true band of brothers with GW as the
father figure. Knox was at Washington's side at every event, every battle right through the
British surrender at Yorktown.

Knox was the war secretary for the country under the Articles of Confederation and under our new
Constitution continued in that role as the first Secretary of War under President George Washington. He was a strong believer in a standing army and even made initial steps toward
founding a standing navy. And he also wanted a military academy and he thought the ideal place
for it was a promontory on the Hudson River called West Point.

His personal life had him still as a young and relatively poor kid wooing and winning Lucy Flucker
whose family was Boston society and had some Tory members in it. These two were not a match
that some would have approved of at the time, but it turns out they were devoted to each other.
Sadly though three kids survived, Lucy Knox had several miscarriages and a few kids dying in
their childhood.

Reading Mark Puls book it seems one of the earliest examples of that of the Horatio Alger story that
Americans seem to prize, the rise of a poor kid to riches, and/or power. Henry Knox was certainly
that and his story is an inspirational one.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Knox was born in Massachusetts in 1750. He left school at age nine to support his family after the death of his father. He was very keen, reading as many books as he could get his hands on, and even teaching himself French. Despite his brilliant mind, he became involved in local street gangs, where he learned the art of fisticuffs. He was a witness to the Boston Massacre, which left an impression on him. He stated that he attempted to diffuse the situation, and ultimately wound up testifying at the trial on behalf of the British soldiers. Knox eventually opened his own bookshop, which was frequented by British and British supporters.

One of the biggest things that Henry Knox did during the American Revolution involved the siege of Boston, which this book focuses heavily on. Knox snuck himself and his wife out of Boston during that time, joining up with the militia and building fortifications. He was also very adept at organizing cannon fire, and when the need for cannon arose, he was put in charge of fetching cannon from the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The logistics of such a feat were impressive, and the results of getting the cannon back to where they needed them the most were supremely important to the war and the historical record.

This book was exceptionally educating to me. As a world history major, I am not very well versed in United States history, and have been trying to supplement my education with various books on the topic. I did know a small amount about the Siege of Boston, and I do recall the use of captured cannon from Ticonderoga, but I had honestly never heard of Henry Knox or knew that he was essential in this feat. The whole thing was truly impressive, especially in a time where people had to move things via horse and wagon. I would like a more comprehensive biography than this one, to be honest, but it was a really good starting place for learning about one of the Founding Fathers that aren't as frequently mentioned. The book was decent, I have no complaints.

[Camden Gaspar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s amazing that a man who had a direct and enormous impact on the events of the Revolutionary War, who worked his way into the inner circle of General Washington, and whose military innovations and works remain impactful on those institutions today could somehow be less known than the fort named after him. Yet, that is the fate Henry Knox, a native Bostonian who rose from an uncommissioned artillery officer to a major general by the war’s end and established himself as one of Washington’s closest aides and friends.

For all his accomplishments and contributions to the country he helped build, Knox is deserving of a biographer who can do justice to his life. He has found that in Mark Puls. Puls has done an enormous service to Knox by bringing him to life in this fast-paced biography, giving us a remarkably complete - if overly rosy in some respects - picture of who Knox was and why he was an important part of early U.S. military and political history.

Puls demonstrates that as much as, and perhaps more than, anyone else, Henry Knox is a true personification of the Revolutionary/republican ideal man. Born into a lower-class family wracked with personal and financial turmoil, the young Knox was pressed into employment at a Boston bookstore to support his mother and younger brother. Though his formal schooling was terminated early, Knox maintained a strong ambition to distinguish himself. He turned to the books he spent his days around - classics, history, and philosophy - to teach himself what he needed to know in order to make something of himself.

Knox’s early self-driven education, coupled with his proximity to colonial and British military and political elites through his job at the bookstore, gave him the connections he needed to find his own path to adventure and glory he craved. Knox’s genial personality are on full display throughout, and his likability and intelligence are what got him the opportunities that would later define his life.

From there, the vast majority of the rest of the book goes into great detail about the progress (and at many times, the lack thereof) of the colonial efforts to win independence, with the focus naturally being on Knox’s contributions and efforts. The colonial artillery - from manufacturing and distribution, to training soldiers to use the cannonry - had to be built from scratch. Knox’s extensive self-education and practical experience on all of these topics allowed him to build a foundation for the Continental Army, and later, the United States military.

Knox didn’t take long to prove himself to Washington and the Congress. After the British occupied Boston, Knox made his famous march from Ticonderoga, where a recently captured British fort yielded a massive collection of cannons that would be vital to Continental efforts to dislodge the British from the city. Through inclement weather and with no pay, Knox moved over 60 tons of artillery from Ticonderoga to Cambridge in just over six weeks. These cannon would later pound the British position and force them to hasten their retreat to Nova Scotia. Such an early victory was vital to maintain the often tenuous level of American support for the war.

Later, Puls takes us through the harrowing retreat from Manhattan in which Knox narrowly avoided capture and even handed the British a few defeats - particularly at Haarlem Heights - which kept the morale of the men up even during a retreat. Through the Philadelphia and Southern campaigns - which culminated in Knox’s cannons joining forces with the French naval assault on Cornwallis in Yorktown, prompting his surrender - Knox remained at the epicenter for nearly every major episode in the war. His extensive knowledge of artillery, manufacturing, logistics, and fortifications gave him enormous freedom to move tactically as he saw fit, with Washington frequently deferring major decisions to the young Knox’s judgement and asking for his advice on grand strategic matters. He was not simply taking orders - Knox played an active role and had a measurable impact on the success of the war effort.

Through all these scenes of the war that involved Knox, and even some that didn’t, Puls masterfully gives us a blow-by-blow picture of troop movements, advances, retreats, and the gritty picture of Revolutionary war combat and generalship. Puls’ crisp writing in these scenes gives the book the feel of a thriller, and several of these sections can be described without irony as “page-turners.”

In telling Knox’s story, Puls also gives us a fascinating peek inside the relationships between Continental Army officers. Given that at least part of the Revolutionary ideology was to throw off the yoke of Old World hierarchy, it’s remarkable how rank-conscious the Continental officers were. So many of these men carried fears that other officers, who were somehow less deserving, would be promoted over them. The resulting backstabbing and popularity contests certainly make us rethink the image of a tight band of brothers providing a united front against the tyranny of the crown. Knox himself was not immune to this, and routinely threatened to resign his post if he did not receive the promotions he felt he deserved. John Adams is often criticized for his vanity, but he was certainly not alone in his constant fretting about his own standing and legacy (Maybe it’s a New England thing?).

Regardless of his own complexities, the fact remains that Knox is largely responsible for the foundational efforts that define much of the U.S. military today. The idea to build a military academy to systematically train officers in the art and science of war, for example, was one that Knox favored heavily. His own military academy he set up at his artillery headquarters in 1778 is considered a forerunner of West Point, which would be founded in 1802 and is still a vital part of the military institution today.

The book’s brisk pace serves it well in many ways, but one of the drawbacks to it is that much of Knox’s life - particularly before his enlistment - feels rushed. We may well be able to chalk this up to a lack of substantial source material the author had to work with, but having the first 20 or so years of Knox’s life compressed into roughly 20 pages, however interesting and informative, leaves the reader wanting more.

Knox’s term as Secretary of War also receive fairly short and not altogether complete treatments. In particular, Puls seems to whitewash somewhat Knox’s strategy for finding a settlement with the Native American tribes in the south and west out to the Mississippi. Yes, Knox was correct in saying that the forcible removal of natives from their lands would be too costly for the near-bankrupt country and would do great harm to the reputation of the fledgling United States, and that a more peaceful and fair solution would be humane and politically pragmatic. The latter would involve providing tools and training for native tribes on animal husbandry, which would make it so they required a much smaller land area to live while the U.S. took up more of their lands.

Knox and Washington did do a lot to rethink the seeming inevitability of violent removal, and in the process set the precedent that only the federal government could deal with the natives. But despite the federal efforts to enforce these treaties, however, the natives were no match for the uncontrollable demographic wave of settlers that flooded into the vast western lands where the federal government simply could not enforce its own laws and treaties with any regularity. Moreover, where Puls seems to paint Knox as a benevolent ally to the natives, he fails to account for the more calculating and self-serving pragmatism of the plan. American republican ideals and interests may have coincided in many ways here, but it wasn’t for purely altruistic reasons that Knox proposed the strategy he did.

In other words, don’t go into this biography expecting Ron Chernow. Puls does a great job sticking closely to the events of Knox’s life and giving the reader a good grasp of the overall arc of his career, but if you were hoping to get more insight into the wider history of these years, you’ll have to read this book alongside a few others.

After reading this biography, you may wonder how a man with a list of accomplishments as impressive as Knox could somehow fall into obscurity. It’s not completely unimaginable to think that modern Americans probably know what Fort Knox is, but couldn’t tell you one thing about Henry Knox himself. Puls rightly observes in his “Legacy” chapter that fame is fleeting, even in a country where meritocracy is considered a sacred ideal. The chance to form a lasting legacy and achieve the status that some of the more well-known founders has less to do with accomplishments and more to do with chance, with being in the right place at the right time, and pleasing the right people. It’s possible that the rapid demise of Knox’s Federalist party may have something to do with it.

Despite this, and despite the fact that the American idea of meritocracy and “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is often overstated, it’s fair to say that Knox was a true emblem of this romantic republican ideal, regardless of his lack of renown today. Puls has done Knox - and us as readers - a great service by giving us a rendering of the gregarious general in such a readable and yes, fun, manner.

[Steve Van Slyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like others here, what I knew about Knox came only through oblique references about him in biographies of others such as Washington, Hamilton and Adams. I wanted to learn more about the "supporting cast" and so have read about Nathanael Greene, John Jay, Benedict Arnold, etc. And now it was time for Knox.

He had a lot in common with both Greene and Hamilton. Like Hamilton he had been deserted by his father at very young age and forced to fend for himself and his mother. And like Greene he was a self-made man with his own business prior to joining the war effort. Hamilton wound up serving under Knox until he was spotted by Washington and added to his staff.

One of the new things I learned about Knox was how he was almost replaced by the Frenchman, De Coudray because of a commission issued by Silas Deane from France. Fortunately, Washington, Greene, and other generals stood behind Knox against the Continental Congress who were under a lot of pressure to appease the French for the large donations of arms and munitions.

Another interesting sideline was the relationship between Knox, his wife Lucy and her family, the Fluckers, who were Tory Loyalists. They threatened to disown her if she married him and made good on the threat, although they must have been a bit chagrined that it was they who had to leave town. They fled Boston for England when Washington--and Knox--shelled Boston into submission and forced the British fleet to sail for Nova Scotia.

Unfortunately the author perpetuates the myth of the superiority of General Horatio Gates, crediting him at least four or five times with the victory at the Battle of Saratoga. Had it not been for the boldness, or perhaps brashness, of Benedict Arnold one has to question whether or not the Americans would have been the ones to take the offensive. Gates was well known as a defensive commander, always hesitant to take the initiative. See Wikipedia or read "Benedict Arnold: Patriot & Traitor" to get a more fully nuanced view of both Gates and Arnold.

In an epilogue the author gives an excellent summary of Knox's accomplishiments and the highlights of his life. I wish more nonfiction authors would do this.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Knox was the Forrest Gump of the American Revolution. As biographer Puls puts it, “His life was replete with adventure, and an examination of his career provides a virtual tour of many of the most significant events of his time…. It almost stretches credulity that one individual could play as many key roles in such a variety of historical events.”

In order to realize the political ideals of the American Revolution, a war first had to be won. A strong argument could be made that it wouldn’t have been won without Knox’s contributions. (I feel the same way about Benedict Arnold, but Knox’s role was even more important.) Knox also played several significant roles in the creation of the new Republic.

I knew a bit about Knox before reading this, but I was surprised by how much more I learned about him. Puls’ short but substantive biography does justice to Knox’s remarkable life. His style is lucid and engaging throughout. Several editing errors annoy but don’t detract from the overall narrative. I’m looking forward to reading Puls’ “Samuel Adams” soon.

[Gayle P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book detailing the extraordinary accomplishments of Henry Knox. While most people know who Henry Knox was, very few realize the scope and importance of his service in revolutionary America. It is hard to imagine that the Revolution could have been successful without his contributions. He suffered through personal tragedy and hardship yet remained dedicated in his service. We have Henry Knox to thank for our modern Navy, our great Army, the Military Academy at West Point and even our Constitution. I baffles me how Henry Knox has slipped from the American consciousness as a Founding Father. He deserves to be listed among the greats... Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton.....truly a remarkable man.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history about a relatively under-appreciated founding father (more known than Glover less than most others). Without this auto-didact willing to teach himself artillery and French, it's unclear how far the Revolutionary Cause would have advanced. I love the part that he's found himself fatherless but not without promise and finds himself immersed in a bookstore and teaches himself so many things. He is one of the ever present figures in the revolution from dragging cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston to expel the British, to Washington's Crossing of the Delaware. And becomes a key adviser to Washington. And then gets the US Navy off the ground. No big deal.

[Gregg Chiota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its amazing how vital this man was to the Rvolution, yet is relatively unknown. from the Boston Massacre, to the siege of Boston, to the English surrender at Yorktown to the creation of West Point. This man did it all.

[Jud Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many historical figures deserving of a higher profile, but surely -- at least when it comes to the history of the American Revolution -- Henry Knox should be more celebrated in the popular imagination.

Another biographer, North Callahan, has called Henry Knox "Washington's general." He was the person who almost single-handedly provided the expertise and the energy for both the artillery and engineering arms of the Continental Army. Consider: he is responsible for dragging cannon overland from Fort Ticonderoga to be emplaced in siege works, which he designed, that led to the abandonment of Boston by the British in spring, 1776; he organized and led the transport for the crossing of the Delaware; he designed and led the sapping of siege trenches at Yorktown; and throughout -- from Trenton to Yorktown -- he generaled a fledgling artillery arm that drew praise from the French (the acknowledged experts of the time) and anticipated tactics used later by Napoleon. In his summary, on the subject of these exploits, author Puls muses, "If Knox had failed, what would have been the fate of the army or of American independence?"

Knox's soldiery is distinguished by its intellectual aspect. Though himself a Boston street-fighting gang member as a kid, the need to support his family following abandonment by his father started him clerking in a bookstore, which led to a pre-Revolution career as a bookseller. It was by this avenue that he pursued an autodidactic project in military matters by which he educated himself in geometry, calculus, and French in order to understand the art and science of designing fortifications, deploying artillery, and developing strategy. (Self-taught in French, Knox was sometimes the only American officer on the scene who could communicate with allied officers who spoke only French.)

Knox's personal experience with the value of this learning made him an early proponent of military education, both for officers -- he established a field academy during the Revolution that was a precursor of West Point -- and for the common soldier -- as the first Secretary of War, his proposal for the training of the Constitutional militia, in Puls's words, "created a vision of a new kind of army in which soldiers were instilled with the nation's most cherished values. He believed that soldiers could be trained to fight to preserve political ideals rather than geographic boundary lines, to love liberty more than personal ambition, and to value honor above greed and the spoils of war." Regrettably the new country lacked Knox's focus, energy, and intelligence, with the result that his vision was largely ignored, although it sputters to life occasionally at various times and places.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The contributions of soldiers standing in the field are no less significant that those of the delegates who penned their names to the Declarations." And of the soldiers standing in the field, few were as important to the American cause than Henry Knox. "If George Washington was the indispensable man of the Revolution, then Henry Knox was his indispensable man."

Another amazing book on the revolution detailing the life of a lesser known hero of American Independence. Reading about the revolution, I am reminded how a seemingly inconsequential event can change the course of world history and Henry Knox seemed to be a part of them or at least ones that are lesser known! Carrying hundreds of guns 300 miles to win the siege of Boston, crossing the Delaware to bring the firepower, and rolling his cannons up to win the battle of Yorktown, without his bravery and courage the U.S. may not have won the war.

If you are an American Revolution fan and have not read this book, it is a MUST! If you are new to the American Revolution this is also a must read but would recommend reading "1776" by David McCullough to give you a picture of the revolution before exploring this one. 1776 is what hooked me having never read any historical biographies, I have since read numerous revolutionary biographies! This is a faster paced book than other biographies such as John Adams or Hamilton which is nice but also doesn't paint an as vivid picture of the times he was living in compared to the former books mentioned.

A well written and compelling book, you will find yourself engrossed in the life of a man who risked his all for the sake of liberty and freedom and maybe a find yourself with a new favorite revolutionary hero in the process.

[Laura Leilani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging, this book could have been five stars but for a few shortcomings.
First, no maps. It was frustrating to read about the battles and not have maps to refer to. The second problem I had was lack of details in certain areas.
For instance, the deaths of his children. Two of his children died on the same day, of what we now call diphtheria, but the rest of the children’s deaths were not explained. One son was nine years old and had an accident while at school. That’s all we are told. Surly some other detail could be dug up about this and all the other children. Knox had nine or ten children die and the author pretty much said ‘ another kid bites the dust’. I wanted an idea of why.
Details of his brother are also sadly lacking. Knox was nine when he quit school to go to work and support the family. His brother was three years old. Knox continued to support his mother and little brother their whole lives. Why didn’t his brother go to school or get a job? The author mentions the brother throughout the book but never enough details for us to figure out what is really going on with him.
Aside from lack of maps and lack of details about characters other than Knox, my only other complaint is that I got the feeling that the author wasn’t being completely free of bias when it came to Knox himself. I feel we get the good things but none of the bad.

Altogether it’s a good book but I would have liked a bit more.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Knox covers the life of the general that shaped the American Military and rose to be one of the top three men who emerged from the Army from the American revolution. While Washington will always be remembered it was also Nathaniel Greene and Henry Knox who helped Washington achieve the victory he did. Knox was best known for his development of the artillery and ordinance departments that would supply the troops with weapons throughout the war. While Knox was a jealous man who was easily slighted he was uniquely suited to do what his country needed of him during the time period. This book does an excellent job not only of showing Knox’s military contributions but also his personal life. Knox is one of the only people to serve in the revolution, have a cabinet level position in the Articles of Confederation government (as much as a cabinet existed) and hold the post of Secretary of War (today’s secretary of Defense) during Washington’s administration. He was a close friend of Washington’s although they had a falling out towards the end of the administration. If you are looking for an authoritative book on Knox’s life this is the way to go and an excellent read for anyone interested in the military of the American Revolution.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first biography I have read about Henry Know. Always admired the man from what I knew and read from other history books, but this is the authoritative biography on the unknown Founding Father, who arguably did more than most of the men we revere today. His accomplishments are too numerous to list in this post, but suffice it to say, the United States as we know it today, would NOT exist if this man hadn't accidentally walked into the Boston Massacre in an attempt to stop it. A larger-than-life, brave patriot who gave everything for his country. He and his wife Lucy lost numerous children to childhood diseases, yet they remained focused on family and their love for each other. Knoxville, TN; Fort Knox (KY); and a dozen states with Knox counties. Yet most people know very little about the man. It's a great read about a great man and an unknown Founding Father who Washington not only leaned on but depended on. Knox is as responsible for the success of the Revolutionary War as was George Washington.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decently engaging and informative biography, especially for one so compact, but what could have been a four star book dropped to barely three with increasing examples of unverified sweeping statements (there are only about 10 pages of notes for the book) and some outright errors and misinformation (such as p245, where he states that in the duel with Burr, Hamilton died within minutes).

The epilogue was also rather disappointing; a plodding summation of the book (kind of unnecessary with how short the book was) without any true added reflection, beyond noting that Knox is not as well remembered as the Fort that is named for him. I would have liked to see more exploration of Henry Knox as a person, and just more in depth research in general. This book also would have benefitted from better editing to catch the errors and misinformation.

[Pete Iseppi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read quite a bit of history, so I was familiar with Henry Knox. But I had NO IDEA how much this man contributed to the service of our country. George Washington has been described as the "indispensable man". Well, as Mark Puls points out, Henry Knox was George Washington's indispensable man. It really is amazing what this guy accomplished in his lifetime. Knoxville, TN and Fort Know in Kentucky are named after him.
This is a fairly short, very readable book, and I highly recommend it.

"With respect to General Knox, I can say with truth, there is no man in the United States with whom I have been in habits of greater intimacy; no one whom I have loved more sincerely, nor for whom I have had a greater friendship."

-----George Washington to John Adams

[Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accessible popular history on a now mostly forgotten hero of the American Revolution, who was present at so many of the epic events like Boston, Trenton and Yorktown. The story is told on a very surface level, so there are few lessons to be gleaned about Knox's remarkable rise, short of do your homework and be in the right place at the right time.

Any work of military history without maps automatically loses a star, and in this case it ought to be two. Knox's signature accomplishment, the transport of cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston cannot be truly appreciated without a map to show the obstacles that had to be overcome. Also there are no illustrations.

Still it's good to see some of the stalwarts of this country getting renewed attention.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If George Washington was the indispensable man of the Revolution, then Henry Knox was his indispensable man.”

The author does a fantastic job of presenting Knox as a revolutionary within the Revolution. Know was everywhere during the war and with integrity and ingenuity working behind the scenes for men such as Washington and alongside men as Hamilton.

He also earned eventually earned the respect of Jefferson, but, eh, Tommy J. be Tommy J.

I won’t steal the book’s thunder and share with you all these things we take for granted today that are foundational for our republic.

This is a biography they don’t teach in school but should.

[Anson Cassel Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

In T. S. Eliot’s “Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” Prufrock describes himself as “not Prince Hamlet nor was meant to be/ Am an attendant lord one that will do/ To swell a progress start a scene or two/Advise the prince no doubt an easy tool/ Deferential glad to be of use/ Politic cautious and meticulous.” Though it would underrate the gifts and competence of Henry Knox (1750-1806) to describe him as the Prufrock of the American Revolution, aspects of Knox’s rise to become one of George Washington’s senior military advisors and the first American Secretary of War reflect Knox’s genial personality, his meticulous energy, and the lack of intellectual creativity exhibited by, say, his erstwhile subordinate, Alexander Hamilton.

This biography by journalist Mark Puls (1963-2013) is adequate but relentlessly chronological and overly reliant on primary-source quotations. Ron Chernow and David McCullough treat the same major episodes in Knox’s career with more verve, more insight, and fewer words. There are no maps or illustrations.

[James Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea of the incredible feats of strength, will, intellect & patriotism that Henry Knox possessed. Additionally, how completely crucial his actions were in the creation of the foundation of America. If it not for Knox, we would have likely lost the Revolution. Knox also started our U.S. Navy, conceived & drafted the original Constitution & founded West Point Academy among many other huge endeavors. He did so by being self taught & thrust into being the head of his family at the age of 9. An absolutely amazing individual.

[John Bohnert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew very little about Henry Knox before reading this interesting biography. Now, I'm a big fan of this great man. Knox made great contributions to winning the Revolutionary War. General Washington considered Henry Knox to be indispensable. After the war, Knox campaigned for a constitution to replace the weak Articles of Confederation. He championed the need for a military academy and established a military school for American officers during the Revolutionary War. His many accomplishments are almost unbelievable. Henry Know deserves to be better known.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Knox, Visionary General of the American Revolution, by Mark Plus (2008, 257pp). This is the story of a key player in the Revolutionary War, albeit one whose accomplishments have been overshadowed by others of lesser achievements. Sadly, Knox’ noteworthy contributions to early American history are conveyed in a less than compelling manner. The author’s dry recitation of facts greatly detracts from what should be an exciting narrative. Frankly, the book was difficult to get through. Such a great story deserves a better telling.

[Rahobeth Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of H. Knox and all his achievements and work to build this country. The book shines a light on all the work Knox did while serving with General George Washington. The public eye and narrative of the revolution strongly tends towards George Washington, the father of our country. Henry Knox was a principle figure in the formation of the US Navy, training a Corp of officers which would eventually become West Point, amongst many other things. A great man who truly put his country above all else.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, well written, short biography of one of the true unsung heroes of the American revolutionary war as well as our early government. Knox was at the Boston massacre, engineered dragging cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, got Washington across the Delaware, established all the artillery that helped us be Cornwallis at Yorktown, and establish the U.S. Navy as well as West Point. Well worth the read.

[Rosemary Pecoraro · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Great American Heroes

The book is a very good study of the details for the founding and establishing of our Country. What I liked best wast showing the reader the intricate struggles these men and their loved ones had to endure to bring us a foundation for a Nation that stands today.

[SAnderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the forgotten heroes

Perhaps because he was content to move in Washington's shadow, perhaps because he was so avid a Federalist, perhaps because he left public life, Knox has been largely forgotten. I good to see the Mama Cass of the War for Independence remembered.

[Joe Longfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book about a wonderful man. I had only heard sparingly about this forgotten hero but am glad I heard about him and his amazing life. He was one man of many who made this country what it is.