By John Oller

The Friday Review: The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution

By John Oller

As a kid, I devoured books about Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. I loved the idea of a hero who, like Robin Hood, had hideouts in the swamps from where he would fight against the brutal and tyrannical British. As I got older, it was no surprise that the movie, The Patriot, loosely based on Marion’s exploits, would be one of my favorite movies. When I saw this book on Audible, I eagerly snapped it up – and now I want my own hard copy.

Francis Marion, like Davy Crockett, is known mostly by legend. Using actual documents from Marion and the men who knew him, John Oller pieces together the story of a short, quiet, and shy man who stayed the course in a tumultuous time. Without a formal education and with only a short stint in the Cherokee War as his military training, Marion led his band of militia on an impossible mission to keep the British Army from marching north from South Carolina to destroy General Washington and the Continental Army. Not only were they fighting the red-coated British Regulars, Marion and his men had to deal with Tories, mercenary troops, turncoats, spies, and petty infighting among the American army. Lacking supplies and proper ammunition, Marion kept his men together with his incredible character, sense of fairness, and honor. If it wasn’t for him, the Americans might have lost the Revolutionary War.

Pros: I loved this book! Unlike some historical biographies, I didn’t think this one was dry and boring. There were some points where the writing was laugh-out-loud funny. There were lots of first-hand sources that were presented seamlessly. I appreciate the level of research as it indicates you’re getting more facts than modern opinions. But overall, I loved learning about the character of the men of the Revolution. These men (and women) aren’t trivia in a history book or names on a timeline, they had ambitions, struggles, and flaws, just like the rest of us. And how they used those ambitions, struggles, and flaws is what got them in the history books.

Cons: I want to actually read this book. The audiobook was fine, but I listened to it piecemeal and couldn’t maintain continuity. Maps would be a huge help. Right now, I’m sitting at 5 stars as I’m assuming the book has maps. If it doesn’t, then I’m pulling off a star.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for books about early American heroes, this is the book for you!