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Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell
#1
Bio of Lafayette with related Revolutionary War history. Pretty good, but she tries too hard to be funny too often - rather like Bill Bryson in some of his earlier books. Otherwise it was fairly interesting, but not her best; I think that would be The Wordy Shipmates (about the Massachusetts Bay Colony).

Perhaps the most surprising thing was the key role that the French Navy played in the revolution. There was a big naval battle off Yorktown between the French and English (approx. 20 ships of the line on each side), which the French won, and afterward the English ships fled to New York. Without naval support, Cornwallis was cut off by land and sea, and so he surrendered.
the hands that guide me are invisible
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#2
I did not know that!
In the Tudor Period, Fencing Masters were classified in the Vagrancy Laws along with Actors, Gypsys, Vagabonds, Sturdy Rogues, and the owners of performing bears.
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#3
Reading it now. I like her sense of humor and it’s been awhile since the last time I read her. (Assassination Vacation was my favorite.) I had no idea how young Lafayette was!
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
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