OLD PUT: The Story of Major General Israel Putnam

by Frederika Shumway Smith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 20, 1967

The presentation is factual, the events are well-documented, but the protagonist is portrayed in a haze of platitudes. Old Put's characteristics are quickly established in childhood incidents which demonstrate his ""strength,"" ""courage,"" ""chivalry,"" ""love of justice,"" ""desire for peace,"" and ""sense of humor"" and are reiterated through his long career. His only fault is careless grammar. Although he was really a ""peaceful son of the soil,"" he began his association with the military as a private during the French and Indian War and rose to Lieutenant Colonel. The events preceding the Revolution and Putnam's place in them are well outlined; neither he nor the colonists in general anticipated or consciously wanted a war for independence. When the war came, Putnam was a general and commanded the troops at Breed's Hill. Unlike the Dwight Allen biography (1965, p. 688, J-236), Putnam's role in the Continental Army, especially his relationship to George Washington, is fully depicted, and his courtesy and friendship towards the British is emphasized.

Pub Date: Feb. 20, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Rand McNally

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION