Primary Format: Cloth | |
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ISBN: | 9781584659259 |
Published: | 09/13/2011 |
Pages: | 260 |
Size: | 6 x 9 in. |
Subject(s): | New England History |
Improbable Patriot: The Secret History of Monsieur de Beaumarchais, the French Playwright Who Saved the American Revolution
Harlow Giles Unger
E-book: $9.99Cloth: $26.95
This delightful rogue of many talents set up a company to front for the French and Spanish regimes secretly supplying weapons, munitions, clothing and food to the struggling rebels.
—American History
The author of this book brings the secret life of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais into vivid relief with this well-written, engaging, and fast-paced tour de force.
—The Historian
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais-perhaps France’s greatest playwright, editor of the works of Voltaire, master of the dramatic farce and father of musical comedy, creator of the immortal Figaro-said ‘the greatest act of my life’ was supplying Americans with the weapons that won their independence. Harlow Unger tells the story of Beaumarchais-playwright and patriot-bringing to life the tumultuous age of revolution.
—Robert J. Allison, author of The American Revolution: A Concise History
With wit and insight, Harlow Unger explores the question of whether Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a rogue or a hero by demonstrating he was more than a little of both.
—Thomas Fleming
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.