ROBERT ROGERS, RANGER: The Rise and Fall of an American Idol

A fascinating inquiry into an eighteenth-century life, presents this American legend as he lived, crossing the line between fame and misfortune. Posits that Rogers was one of the best-known Americans, second only to Benjamin Franklin in popularity, and that it was due to the fact that he was a self-made man based on merit, in contrast to the hide-bound, hierarchical British military establishment. Details how he became entangled with the mistique of the modern ranger, yet alienated his peers, fought as a loyalist in the Revolutionary War, ruined himself financially, and died in obscurity in London. Highlights the many strengths that led to his rise, while still taking into account all of the reasons that led to his downfall. Contains 20 illustrations.