George Rogers Clark: "I Glory in War"

While Francis Marion has received recent attention through the film The Patriot, Clark still awaits his film and is largely forgotten, receiving only a brief mention ( if that) in text books.Clark is perhaps not the most likable of of characters, but he is no less reserved than Washington and no less elusive than Jefferson ( and certainly no more irascible than John Adams) He deserves to be remembered for what his contributions to American Independence and this author presents him - faults and all - in a very interesting narrative.

A must read.

A summary of the review on StrategyPage.Com:'Clark (1752-1818) secured much of the region from the Appalachians to the Mississippi for the American cause during the Revolutionary War, but found peace a more difficult opponent than Native Americans or the British, for a time even being put under arrest on possible charges of treason. In this, the first biography of Clark in some two generations, Nester, author of several works on the military history of the late colonial period and the early Republic, focuses on Clark’s campaign in the Illinois country, conducted with considerable skill and even brilliance, in a literal wilderness with very slender resources. Nester attributes Clark’s success to a the man’s great intellect, unusual courage, strong determination, charisma, tact, and a deep understanding of human nature. The book is full of hard marches and desperate fights, both with arms against enemies and with paper against bureaucrats, and a number of very interesting persons (Jefferson, Washington, Joseph Brant, etc.). Although Nester occasionally intrudes some extraneous opinion, this book is of particular value for reminding us how the original “West” was won, this work will be of interest to students of the American Revolution, unconventional warfare, and military leadership.'For the full review, see StrategyPage.Com

This account of Clark's life and his seminal contributions to the history of this country shows how the career of this key military figure shaped and was shaped by the culture and events of the era within which he lived and operated. This account is detailed and comprehensive, creating an awareness of the day-to-day lives and important contributions of the key figures of the age within the context of the major historical forces that guided the unfolding of events.Narrator Carl Hausman's masterful rendering of the text brings the account to life though his distinctive ability to translate a deep understanding of the material into a lively vocal interpretation that substantially enhances the listener's experience by creating a vivid sense of the setting and of the varied personalities and quirks of the major characters of this deeply interesting account. Hausman uses his wide-ranging vocal skills and cadenced delivery to convey the story with energy and nuance.

First--the review posted on April 17, 2013 is basically nonsense, and should not be heeded by those considering reading this book.This is a good overview of the life of GRC, nicely written and well-organized. It does not laud him overly, and points out his chief failing-drinking way too much. Book also gives very good detail on the Rev War campaigns of GRC, his 2 postwar Indian campaigns, and his rather odd dallyings with France and Spain in the 1780s and 90s. I absolutely recommend it.

While throughout his book, especially in the first and last chapter, Nester editorializes with conclusions that are not adequately supported, the facts within his text are clear and well written. The chronology of Clark's campaign and life are presented in a very accessible way, without going off on too many side tracks as many of his other biographers have. Most importantly, it is not necessary to have detailed knowledge about the French-Indian War through the War of 1812 in order to understand the context of Clark's world.I wish, however that Nester had refrained from interjecting his opinions throughout the text, as fervently as I hope that readers will have the sense to tell the difference between fact and conjecture. Because of that, you won't find this book at George Rogers Clark National Park in Vincennes, Indiana, although you may at some other more liberal Clark sites. The only new "information" are Nester's opinions.

I bought this for a book club discussion of revolutionary war activity on the western front of the original thirteen colonies. It provided a wealth of information about early American life and attitudes toward the war with England as well as interactions with Native Americans who were indigenous to the areas being fought over. Involvement with France and Spain were also spelled out in greater detail than I had known. George Rogers Clark is presented in his heroism and human complexity. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.