Harlow Giles Unger
Author of The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation's Call to Greatness
About the Author
Harlow Giles Unger is an acclaimed historian and a former Distinguished Visiting Fellow at George Washington's Mount Vernon. He is the author of twenty-four books, including eleven biographies of America's Founding Fathers and three histories of the early republic. He lives in New York City
Works by Harlow Giles Unger
The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation's Call to Greatness (2009) 532 copies, 11 reviews
"Mr. President": George Washington and the Making of the Nation's Highest Office (2013) 139 copies, 1 review
Improbable Patriot: The Secret History of Monsieur de Beaumarchais, the French Playwright Who Saved the American… (2011) 72 copies, 15 reviews
But What If I Don't Want to Go to College?: A Guide to Success Through Alternative Education (1992) 39 copies
America's Second Revolution: How George Washington Defeated Patrick Henry and Saved the Nation (2007) 26 copies
The French War Against America: How a Trusted Ally Betrayed Washington and the Founding Fathers (2005) 18 copies, 1 review
"What Did You Learn in School Today?": A Parent's Guide for Evaluating Your Child's School (1991) 4 copies
A Student Guide to College Admissions- Everything Your Guidance Counsellor Has No Time To Tell You (1990) 3 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1931-08-03
- Gender
- male
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- New York, New York, USA
- Places of residence
- New York, New York, USA
UK
Canada - Education
- Yale University
California State University (MA)
Taft School - Occupations
- biographer
journalist
broadcaster
historian - Short biography
- HARLOW GILES UNGER was the 2008 Distinguished Visiting Fellow in American History at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. A veteran journalist, broadcaster, educator, and historian, he is author of sixteen books, including five biographies of America’s Founders.
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Statistics
- Works
- 33
- Members
- 2,391
- Popularity
- #10,733
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 60
- ISBNs
- 126
- Languages
- 1
- Favorited
- 1
Forget stuffy biographies filled with dry dates and dusty facts. "Improbable Patriot: The Secret History of Monsieur de Beaumarchais" by Harlow Giles Unger throws open the curtains on the life of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, a man who was playwright, inventor, rogue – and, most surprisingly, secret champion of the American Revolution.
Unger paints a captivating portrait of Beaumarchais, a social climber who navigated the treacherous waters of 18th-century French society with wit, charm, and a healthy dose of audacity. We see him jousting with censors, penning subversive plays that both delighted and scandalized, and even locking horns with Mozart (yes, that Mozart) in a public battle of the egos.
But beneath the flamboyant exterior lay a man with a deeper purpose. Unger masterfully unveils Beaumarchais's clandestine role in supplying weapons and funds to the struggling American revolutionaries. This "secret history" is the heart of the book, a tale of cloak-and-dagger operations, political intrigue, and the quiet heroism of an unlikely patriot.
The book isn't without its flaws. At times, the narrative gets bogged down in historical details, potentially losing readers who crave a more streamlined story. Additionally, Unger's admiration for Beaumarchais occasionally borders on hero worship, glossing over some of the character's less savory aspects.
However, these minor stumbles don't overshadow the book's strengths. Unger's engaging writing style brings Beaumarchais and his world to life, reminding us that history is often filled with surprising heroes and unexpected twists. "Improbable Patriot" is not just a biography; it's a testament to the power of individual action, the complexities of human nature, and the enduring allure of a well-told story.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a captivating read that blends history, intrigue, and a touch of the unexpected, then "Improbable Patriot" is a surefire winner. Just be prepared for a few detours into historical minutiae and remember, even the most improbable heroes often have their flaws. After all, isn't that what makes them so fascinating?
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