Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah VowellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is really a microhistory of the American Revolutionary War using hotheaded, idealistic an fawning Lafayette as a lens. As usual, Vowell entertains and educations with her wit, cycnicsm, and insight. Like Assassination Vacation, her travels to national parks and sites works in here aiding her success in bridging today with the 18th Century. Her stellar case of celebrity narrators includes standout understatement from Nick Offerman.
What did I learn? Besides being reminder of the debt owed to French backing she brings forth valid evidence that starving, ragged Continentals was unnecessary, naval strategy was key, and Fort Lee, New Jersey should be renamed since General Charles Lee was a traitor.
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