Citizens today fail to realize the full scope of just how great this man was and the admiration he and his legacy received, not just in early America, but throughout the world. Even King George III said upon Washington’s retirement as Commander in Chief placed him “in a light the most distinguished of any man living” and that he was “the greatest character of the age.”
There have been countless volumes written on the man, and his tremendous legacy provides room for countless more volumes. That said, this is not the book for someone with limited (public school system) education on Washington. Before picking up this book, you would want to read something else, such as Rasmussen and Tilton’s George Washington: The Man Behind the Myths, Washington Irving’s George Washington: A Biography, or even the great historical fiction by Jeffrey Shaara, The Glorious Cause, part 2 of his series on the Revolutionary War. Not that someone first learning about George Washington wouldn’t enjoy this book, but it may a bit ‘deep’ for the beginner and would be enjoyed more with a good background understanding of the subject.
Brookhiser begins with Washington the General during the war, then moves to the drafting of the Constitution and finally, on to his role as President. The second half of the book is dedicated to the character of George Washington. Brookhiser gives good insight into how a man who never fathered children of his own could go on to be such a successful and admired father of a nation.
Brookhiser gives the reader a brief look at Washington’s Christianity, his proclivity of viewing life as a theatre play, and his establishment of a standard of how things are conducted in our nation’s capital. For instance, how Washington refused to turn over to the House, sensitive information regarding Jay’s Treaty. The book focuses a good bit as well on Washington’s Farewell Address.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read for anyone with a sound knowledge of the father of our country. You will surely find a few other books to add to your reading list in the extensive bibliography. Like all of Brookhiser’s books, I give this one a thumbs up.
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