Author Philip Secor revives John Paulding's place in American history. In 1780 Paulding was at the head of a small band of militia who captured British spy John André, exposing American general Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plan to turn over the fortifications at West Point to the British. Since Arnold’s plan also involved handing over George Washington, Paulding and his compatriots may have averted a very different ending to the American Revolution. Washington Irving would later weave André's capture into The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: the fateful location of the spy's capture is where Ichabod Crane first encounters the headless horseman. Color cover, black-and-white text. 5.5" x 8.5", 186 pages. Printed in USA. ISBN 0788440888

Publisher's description: Patriot John, The Man Who Saved America - Philip B. Secor. This is the story of three men and a woman whose lives intersected in September of 1780 in such a way as at first to threaten and then to rescue the fledgling American Republic. Two of the men, Benedict Arnold and John Andres, are still remembered as major figures in our history. The woman, Peggy Shippen, a famous Philadelphia femme fatale of the day whose role in the drama was critical to its outcome, is recalled by only a few in our time. The third man, John Paulding, was so instrumental in thwarting the treasonous plans of the other three characters that he was celebrated in songs, books, plays, parades, and statues as a savior of the American Republic. He was awarded medals, pensions and land; towns, counties, and schools throughout the country were named in his honor as a grateful nation sought to reward him as a national hero. Yet, today this man, long known as “Patriot John” is almost totally forgotten. Philip Secor has rediscovered John Paulding and, in the process, retold in a fresh and dynamic manner the story of one of the most dramatic and formative events in all of American history. (2005), 2006, 5½x8½, paper, index, 186 pp.