Why Not, Lafayette? is a short biography that is intended to entertain as well as inform its audience. Fritz has chosen to examine closely three aspects of Lafayette's life, relegating other aspects to the background.

Thus, the biography is divided into three movements that rise and fall much like movements in novels and plays would. The first movement is Lafayette's early life and especially his service in the Revolutionary War. He was a very young man during the war, eventually leaving service when only twenty-five. Nevertheless, the several years he spent in America shaped him and helped shape America. His eager advocacy for America helped win support for the rebellious colonies from abroad, particularly France, whose government had originally opposed Lafayette's participation in the American cause. His leadership helped win battles; his exceptional talent for mediation helped keep divided commanders cooperating with each other.

Much of...