George Washington A Biography 7 Volumes

Book Description

To this landmark biography of our first president, Joseph J. Ellis brings the exacting scholarship, shrewd analysis, and lyric prose that have made him one of the premier historians of the Revolutionary era. Training his lens on a figure who sometimes seems as remote as his effigy on Mount Rushmore, Ellis assesses George Washington as a military and political leader and a man whose “statue-like solidity” concealed volcanic energies and emotions.

Here is the impetuous young officer whose miraculous survival in combat half-convinced him that he could not be killed. Here is the free-spending landowner whose debts to English merchants instilled him with a prickly resentment of imperial power. We see the general who lost more battles than he won and the reluctant president who tried to float above the partisan feuding of his cabinet. His Excellency is a magnificent work, indispensable to an understanding not only of its subject but also of the nation he brought into being.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but not great........2007-09-21

This is an entertaining and enjoyable book, but the psychoanalysis of George Washington left something to be desired. At several places, the author relies on tidbits of information to making sweeping generalizations regarding Washington, why he succeeded, or his motivations. This would not have so severely affected my rating, but for the fact that on more than one occasion, the author quickly reversed course.

For example, when trying to explain why, near the beginning of the Revolution, George Washington was better situated than any of his peers to lead the Americans to victory, Joseph Ellis tells us that George Washington was a realist who fully recognized that Divine Providence did not guarantee victory. Only a few pages later, commenting on George Washington's forbearance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, Joseph Ellis tells us that the George Washington's internally sustaining force was his belief in, yep, Divine Providence.

It may be a quibble, but this example early in the book, left me doubtful of Mr. Ellis's explanations for other aspects of George Washington's character and the underlying rationale for some of his actions. At times, Mr. Ellis may have pressed too hard to generalize from single letters or comments. Perhaps Washington was uniquely realistic in assessing the chances for success and also believed in Divine Providence, but Mr. Ellis did a poor job of acknolwedging both these aspects and, presumably, the tension even within Washington.

I also thought Ellis went a bit far with his "Fabian" and "Cinncinatus" analogies. The repetition towards the end of the book became irksome and, again, seemed Ellis was trying too hard to fit evidence into preconceived categories.

The book was quite informative and engaging. It is clear that Joseph Ellis reveres the man, but this usually did not cause him to shy from recounting Washington's failings, including those of character. Importantly, I think Ellis does a good job of providing enough factual context to let the reader make some judgments. Some other reviewers appear to claim this is a hatchet job, but my view is that it is anything but. Unflattering facts are revealed, but Ellis was, in my view, more quick to explain them away than he needed to be. George Washington was a man, not a god. Ellis's portrait captures that distinction without denigrating Washington or his considerable influence on the making of the United States of America.

In short, Ellis paints a convincing portrait of an ambitious man with a tremendous ability both to lead men and to persevere in the face of adversity. Washington does seem to have had enormous concern regarding his legacy, but this is not a bad thing. As an example, if Mr. Ellis's portrayal is accurate, George Washington's concern for legacy was a driving factor in his decision to free his slaves in his will. Likewise, while Mr. Ellis seems to indicate that George Washington tried to burnish his reputation for high character by revising certain details of his early life, his desire to be revered also led him to act in conformance with the image he strove to create. In other words, while Washington did not always act with honor while young, his growing concern for legacy provided additional pressure, if not motivation, for his rightly renowned decision to relinquish power and, too, smaller acts of honor. Washington, to some degree, became the man he wished to be perceived to be. Joseph Ellis did not paint a flat caricature of the man, but provided a three-dimensional, if sometimes flawed, portrait of one of the most important men in the history of the United States.

I recommend this book.

Washington the Man.......2007-09-20

Ellis' George Washington is a rich narrative of a largely unknowable man. Washington is a 21st century biographers nightmare because he was not as irascible as John Adams nor did he have the flirtatious dalliances of a Thomas Jefferson or a Benjamin Franklin. Washington instead appears like a statute whom historians and psychohistorians cannot even begin to clear away the patina to get a good glimpse of the inner man. Ellis attempts this and concludes that while Jefferson theorized, Washington just mainly survived. In this he is anomaly because the critical period of American history can not be imagined without him, yet progressives and revisionists have ignored him. While Adams and Jefferson wrote more about republican and democratic theory, Washington never allowed anything close to the passage of the Alien and Sedition Act nor the Embargo Act. An oversimplification of this interplay is that while most of the founders talked, Washington acted and essentially achieved the results that he wanted. In what is probably the highlight of the book, Ellis presents Washington heading off the Newburg Conspiracy which was formed by disgruntled officers designed to hijack the burgeoning republic in it's cradle. After placating his soldiers Washington never wavers from his bedrock principle of Republicanism tempered with a harsh realism. Overall Ellis' Washington is a man who acted upon what he believed and saved the infant republic several times over. Probably his greatest sin, in the eyes of the professional historian, was that he never much talked about what he did, but I think he can be forgiven for that rather unfortunate oversight.

His Excellency: George Washington.......2007-09-06

A marvelous read of the genesis of our great nation!! Joseph J. Ellis is a fantastic author. How exciting American History could be if only taught as Ellis writes!

Great History Book.......2007-08-11

Joseph J. Ellis kept in mind while writing "His Excellency" that there could only be one man to fit in the shoes of a democratic government (as we know it) and it was George Washington. I also learned so much about the greatness of this man and how he had to overcome such criticism and failure before changing how people live not only in the US but in the world.

This book pretty much let's you know that Washington was not perfect by any means. We was living and working for the ages. He wasn't a great General either, but he tested the hand of time and defied it in many ways.

I highly recommend this book.

Fair to good. Is there a skunk in the early analysis, such as on Jumonville?.......2007-08-08

A good bio, fair to good. An author should hedge pretty constant to a view of George Washington as a hero, my preference.

I thought I detected something smelly in the description of Washington's early military career, for example in the death of Jumonville. There's nothing direct in the text, it's more crafty and insidious (eg "murder" in the same paragraph with George's name, his supposed lifelong rationalization over these early incidents, etc), which reviewing just now opinions of earlier reviewers I'm glad to see they've suspicioned out as well. Replace George's name with Ellis', change the incident to Vietnam war record falsification and what you seem to get is the author's apology for how his own biographical fraud occurred. If this is so, it's fair to bring this up, and I resent how incidents from the great man's life seems to be used to explain how a rationalization like this comes about. If it's not, some changes in future editions would help keep readers away from the unintentional linkage. "Look, I'm flawed too, just like the great Washington was" Ellis seems to say. Hold your nose past the author's need to explain himself through Washington in the early part, and you get a good biography otherwise.

Garden Gallery: The Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis

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CREATIVITY UNLEASHED
Garden Ga;;ery...YESSSS
For the avid gardener
A Garden Gallery : The Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis
A Garden Gallery

Garden Gallery: The Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis
George Little , and David Lewis
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0881926728

Book Description

Celebrated internationally as artists and gardeners, Little and Lewis open the gates to their renowned Puget Sound garden and share their personal wisdom for what informs and inspires their wild fantasia of plants, hardscape, and art. Water features, oversized and broadleaved plants, expansive use of color, zone-pushing tropicals, architectural emphasis, and elements of classicism and mystery — all combine to create a magical space. The authors describe how you too can achieve this kind of retreat for reflection in your own backyard. From practical advice on how to make a slow-drip natural fountain, to building an inexpensive Tuscan-style wall, you will be encouraged to use your imagination and take risks. Stunning photographs will inspire you.

Customer Reviews:

CREATIVITY UNLEASHED.......2007-05-12

I first saw an article on Little and Lewis in a gardening magazine and had to have this book. I was mesmerized by what they had done.

The sculptures, greenery and landscaping are absolutely exquisite. I bought a copy of the book and sent it to a gardener friend of mine and he raved about it, also.

I think this book would appeal to fine arts people who are into gardening--people who want to create their own statuary, garden sculptures and unique landscaping and who need a creative impetus.

Garden Ga;;ery...YESSSS.......2007-04-06

This is a wonderful, imformative and very useful book. The service in receiving it was excellent and the condition of the book was perfect.

For the avid gardener.......2006-11-04

What a wonderful, inspirational book. For the already accomplished gardener, this is a book not so much about "how to", as it is full of the great ideas and very personal vision of the author. Imaginative and full of pictures. I can't imagine a better gift if you have a gardener on your Christmas list.

A Garden Gallery : The Plants, Art, and Hardscape of Little and Lewis.......2005-10-24

We actually visited the gardens of Little and Lewis on Bainbridge Island, WA and they are every bit as good as shown in the book. Ordered two books for good measure!

A Garden Gallery.......2005-08-22

This is an inspirational book full of great photographs from the garden of two very creative gardeners. The book is arranged in an interview format; Mr. Lewis discusses ideas that are near and dear to him; Mr. Little shares his views. They garden together and their combined talents create a beautiful space.

George Washington Carver: The Man Who Overcame

Average customer rating:

Carver is rightous

George Washington Carver: The Man Who Overcame
Lawrence Elliott
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: 0133539040

Customer Reviews:

Carver is rightous.......2004-01-14

Dr.Carver lived as a man who realized the creator in creation.This book explains his life in a story. I read this book all the way through. The book tells you how he lived so humble. He gave and gave. If you would like to know about how Dr.Carver and how he lived his life and how he overcame then this book will tell you. peace love Creation

Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier's Fight for America from Baghdad to Washington

Average customer rating:

Honesty will get you nowhere
A book befitting our time
Chasing Ghosts-Not enough stars to accurately rate this one
Reviewed by John D. Merrill
An adept glimpse of the myth of war

Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier's Fight for America from Baghdad to Washington
Paul Rieckhoff
Manufacturer: NAL Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0451218418

Book Description

The riveting, action-packed true story of the first soldier to challenge the war in Iraq.

As a 1st Lieutenant and Infantry Platoon Leader for the U.S. Army, charged with leading 38 young men in Iraq, Paul Rieckhoff was proud to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who served during Vietnam and WWII respectively. He and his soldiers spent almost a year in one of the most dangerous and volatile areas of Baghdad. And what they encountered there was chaos: not nearly enough troops, no humanitarian aid, no body armor, no radios, and no real plan for what to do after Baghdad fell.

Rieckhoff was shocked to see that sometimes the greatest challenges his platoon faced did not come from enemy combatants. He saw fi rsthand the disastrous results of disbanding the Iraqi army, sending thousands of armed, angry, and unemployed men out into the streets. And he saw what happened when we tried to conduct a war on the cheap, by bestowing government contracts to the lowest bidder and sending our military into battle inadequately protected and armed. What followed, over the next ten months, set him on a course that would forever change his life.

When he fi nally came home from his tour of duty, Rieckhoff vowed to tell Americans the truth about what was going on in Iraq. He demanded accountability from elected officials and was the first Iraq veteran to do so publicly. He created Operation Truth, the first and largest veterans' group specifically for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through this organization, he has become a leading spokesman for troops, veterans, and their families, and a critical voice in the ongoing debate surrounding this conflict.

What is really happening in Iraq? Should we be there? Should we stay? Rieckhoff is in a unique position to answer these crucial questions. Not only was he on the ground in the heat of battle but he is also on the front lines politically at home. He provides a grunt's-eye view of the harrowing, bloody battles on the streets of Baghdad and a patriot's vision of where America has gone wrong and how it can reset its path.

Customer Reviews:

Honesty will get you nowhere.......2007-10-14

I had a hard time putting this book down. Sure, we are getting bombarded with Iraq War memoirs and most are worthy of a glance, but this one, with its predictable end, still is one of the better ones. I have not heard of one person who spoke galiantly of Paul Bremer (except for GWB) and this author is no exception. What he endured is embarrassing for the military and the people who were all for this war in the end.

From armcahir warriors in the rear to high-ranking officers behind air-conditioned offices safely protected by SCUD bunkers and the like, this book gives a very good perspective of the army in 2003, Baghdad in 2003 and the general feelings of the Iraqis at the time. This book is not perfect, though (sometimes the pages are filled with anger and malice). But I grant the author that because he risked his life and the life of his platoon to carry out his mission. He has the right to feel the way he does, and I respect him for that. I'd rather read an honest portrayal about a war than an embellished report written with an agenda in mind.

Still, it makes one wonder how we can ever succeed in Iraq with the things described in this book. I finished it wondering if the officers were for this war to get their careers punched; in 2003 many thought the war would take three to nine months. Three months into the war, that view no longer existed. The author made a point throughout the book to remind us of the senselessness of this operation. This book is definitely not a book found in a recruiting office.

A book befitting our time.......2007-09-21

The J Affect
Paul Rieckoff is a true patriot. His book, Chasing Ghosts, shows a soldier amidst the chaos of war and puts the reader as close to the front lines in the war on terror as you can be without being there. As we sit back home, comfortable in our easy chair and watch the news, we see stories second and third hand concerning the war. Paul places the reader with his troop, giving a remarkable, educated, and honest recall of the war from the front. When we hear a story, briefly describing the latest guffaws and blunders from our leadership who never served, Paul gives us the direct affect it has on the soldiers on the front lines of this unique battle as well as what affect it may have in the near future back home. While reading, you have to wonder what might happen if all our soldiers were his equal. From his pre-war training, through his time on the battlefield of Baghdad, to his reaction upon returning home, Paul keeps his story open, without political agenda. His only agenda is for the accountability of leadership and the ability to recognize what supporting our troops really means. His arrogance is delightful. His prose keep his story moving well. This is a good recommendation to anyone watching the flapping heads on television and want to know the real story from the front.

Chasing Ghosts-Not enough stars to accurately rate this one.......2007-09-19

Incredibly written. One of thew best books I've read in years. Whether you are for or against the war, you leave this book with a whole new respect for the men and women that have put their lives on ther line for us!

Reviewed by John D. Merrill.......2007-08-21

Chasing ghosts is the recounting of the first fourteen months of the US invasion of Iraq and the personal results of one soldier's life. Running chronologically, the book describes the expectations of this skeptic and how his sense of purpose in the invasion was tenuous to begin with and waned when the reports of WMDs were not valid and there was not clear way out once Saddam fell.

Paul continues with the growing insurgency and the bonds of American soldiers who were fighting them. He outlines the policy ideas and changes that directly affect the troops on the ground. He describes the experiences with the invasion and how their roles turn to peacekeepers and police for the volatile parts of Iraq. He was clear to include the specific details of when his company and platoon first noticed organized insurgency and when the first one of his company was killed by insurgents. Paul describes the high tensions of keeping the peace, dealing with thieves and opportunists, and worst of all; the American Media. He wraps up his time in Iraq with recounting his, self-described, movie like departure from Iraq.

Once out of Iraq, his story continues in his quest to be heard about his concerns for the troops in Iraq and America in general. He describes the problems for soldiers returning home. One of his friends from Iraq had returned home and suffered from post traumatic stress and after he had returned home had gone missing. Paul's frustrations were not from post-war trauma as much as the posturing and politics behind the home front. He makes it clear that the power that be in Washington, both Republican and Democrat, have show their interests in the welfare of the troops are more lip-service than anything else. He begins to speak on behalf of the servicemen he considers family. Much like his tour in Iraq, he chronicles his progress working with "Operation Truth," the non-profit organization for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. He has spoken to the President and several Senators, including Kerry and Clinton. He is trying to be heard and in this book he gets his message across.

An adept glimpse of the myth of war.......2007-08-19

Rieckoff has captured the spirit of urban combat and humanizes the humanitarian ideals of American forces and Iraqis alike with his heartfelt memoir. His work is an important addition to a reader's understanding of an environment laced with ideological undertones which combine religion, politics, ethics and morality. Distant observers of a little understood war will gain an insider's view of horrific events, yet not be overly subjected to gory details. When the last page is read, the real costs of war will be better understood, and this will lead to knowing why it is important to support our troops abroad and at home. As a Vietnam vet, I can relate to the writer's views. I salute him and the men he led during their deployment.

George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots

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George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots
Those Who Ignore History...
Good story, but something is missing
The generosity of Gen. Palmer
A Story of Character and Destiny

George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots
Dave R. Palmer
Manufacturer: Regnery Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1596980206

Book Description

Complete with maps and illustrations, George Washington and Benedict Arnold presents the amazing story of two would-be patriots, one who became the father our country, the other became a man without a country.

Customer Reviews:

George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots.......2007-07-22

Excellent piece of history -- incredible detail -- easy reading. Dave Palmer is a retired general and past supervisor at West Point. He is also a terrific speaker and a very ethical person. (Obviously, I have heard him speak, after which I bought the book).

Those Who Ignore History..........2007-02-21

Reading Palmer's great book made me think about today's events in Iraq. Those who don't read history believe that most events that occur are happening for the first time. They believe things have never been worse. As Palmer so eloquently writes, Washington had major problems in his execution of the war and had not only enemies on both sides, but cabals of fellow military men working for his defeat and wanting his job. Some of these narratives were revelations about our first president. He lost more battles than he won, the war was going terribly and the morale of his troops was so low they were loathe to re-up when the terms of their duty had expired. More than once he had to intervene to keep from losing troops to desertion. He acted firmly in handling all these obstacles and persevered to win the war and save the fledgling nation. There may not have been a CNN, MSNBC or NY Times working to bring him down. But, as Palmer tells us, there were many who published the most vicious things about Washington, and sometimes, directly to him, and wished him ill throughout the war. So, some things never change. Things go wrong in wars. People, including the Congress, carp and think they can do better. Washington had the character to see the plan through to its satisfactory ending. This in spite of having a "friend" like Benedict Arnold working eventually to defeat him and the rest of the new nation. Palmer's book serves as a defining account of the Revolutionary War and why George Washington deserves a day in his honor. It should never have been diluted into a "President's Day." Read the book and learn more than you've ever known about Washington, Arnold and the Revolutionary War.

Good story, but something is missing.......2007-01-24

I enjoyed this book for the good narrative that it is. Most of my pleasure came from learning the rough details of Benedict Arnold's treason. I had only known him as a traitor prior to reading this book, but had no idea that he was "America's Hannibal" prior to becoming a turncoat, nor was I aware of the reasons for his treason or the way in which he tried to execute it.

The book is a quick, enjoyable, and easy read, which I am also grateful for, because if it weren't, I probably would have put it down and tried to find something more comprehensive on the subject of Arnold to read instead. I have never read a book on a subject such as this that contains no bibliography. Palmer includes a few suggested readings at the end of the book, but it is only about 10 books altogether, and two of them are prior works of his own.

Even within the text, Palmer several times says something like "as a prominent modern historian says 'George Washington was...'"

Well, who is the historian?!

This unwillingness to cite anyone else within the text or in a bibliography really bothered me the whole time I was reading the book. The whole thing reads like something a high school student would turn in to his history teacher. The only difference between this book and the student's essay is that the book is nearly 400 pages long.

There may be some very good reason for not including a bibliography or giving a prominent modern historian credit for his words in the text. I am not accusing Palmer of anything, only saying that these things bothered me quite a bit.

Now, I will find some more books on Benedict Arnold to get the full story.

The generosity of Gen. Palmer.......2007-01-09

Gen. Palmer came and spoke to the Betty Martin Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to review his book. We found out that every penny of profit that would be his is sent to fund Mt. Vernon, Washington's home. The book is an interesting contrast of two men with eerily similar backgrounds. Gen. Palmer contends that the difference in the outcome of the two lives is CHARACTER. Gen. Palmer is an excellent speaker. In his book, he presents a clear picture of the lives of these two very different men - each of whom played a major role in the foundation of our country. The character of the man determined the content of that role. I gave copies of the book as gifts at Christmas.

A Story of Character and Destiny.......2006-12-31

This is a great book! It is extremely well researched and powerfully written.

Composed by career soldier and historian David Palmer, "George Washington and Benedict Arnold" tells the story of two Revolutionary War patriots who left such diametrically opposed legacies, despite life trajectories that were at one time so parallel.

George Washington and Benedict Arnold were both more than just patriots and American soldiers, they were the heart of the American military movement against the British.

Washington was the brains, soul and conscience of the Continental Army, while Benedict Arnold was the sword of the Revolution. A soldier of tremendous courage, talent and energy, he managed, time after time, to turn defeat into victory on almost every major battlefield and changed the course of the war.

Indeed, Arnold's victories eventually convinced the French to enter the war on the side of the Americans. Shortly afterward, Spain and the Netherlands followed, turning a rebellion into a world war and all but ensuring a British defeat.

But as the war progressed and Arnold failed to recieve the recognition and rewards he desperately craved, the thoughts of America's premier soldier turned to treason. Had he succeeded in his betrayal, Washington would surely have lost the war and America her independence.

How is it that two men with lives that paralleled and intertwined so closely have legacies so vastly different?

George Washington is remembered as America's greatest soldier and the father of his country, while Benedict Arnold is still considered the greatest traitor in the history of the United States.

To quote the author:

"Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your character.
Your character becomes your destiny."

"George Washington and Benedict Arnold" is a tremendously good read, recommended for those interested in America's war for independence and the impact of character on destiny.

Average customer rating:

This is a gem, history picture book makes GW come alive!
Another clear, very interesting, great looking book.

George Washington
Ingri d'Aulaire , and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
Manufacturer: Beautiful Feet Bks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0964380315

Product Description

"He was born in a little red brick house that his father had built on the oyster-shell hill. By that time so much land had been cleared that the wilderness was far in the distance" (10). So begins the simple and inauspicious life of George Washingtona backwoods Virginia boy destined to become the Father of His Country. Meticulously researched, the d'Aulaires hiked and camped all over Virginia as they imbibed the spirit of this great man. The story follows his growth from young boy to surveyor, to soldier in the French and Indian War where he became a war hero. Then George courted Martha Custis and after their marriage they built a thriving plantation at Mount Vernon. Slavery is depicted as an acceptable fact "where his hundreds of slaves . . . kept everything spick and span and in beautiful order" (40). Then we see Washington lead his troops through the dark and hungry days of the Revolutionby his courage and integrity, inspiring the same in his men. The d'Aulaire illustrations reflect the folk-art style they intended, seeking to depict characters that would appear much as the rocking horses and toy soldiers children played with in their nurseries. 60pg

Customer Reviews:

This is a gem, history picture book makes GW come alive!.......2003-04-22

Put this in your home library! My kids want more and more of this. They love history but get bored without pictures. This author makes the past people and places come alive for them. They remember and understand the detailed and engaging historical tales.

Another clear, very interesting, great looking book........1999-05-08

Although the Amazon page doesn't show the wonderful cover, it shows the young George on a white horse--Washington's white charger became his trademark. Beautifully illustrated, and a direct, unfanciful text. A perfect introduction to the growing up and future of our first President, with no nonsense. The d'Aulaires were stylists and were accurate, visiting the sites. They won many prizes. They deserved every one. A perfect introduction to the life of George Washington.

Average customer rating:

Two Stars is Kind
An excellent overview.....
Terribly disappointing
Uplifting
The Indisensable Biography

Washington: The Indispensable Man
James Thomas Flexner
Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0316286168

Customer Reviews:

Two Stars is Kind.......2007-09-24

This just isn't sufficiently accurate nor well-written given its hype and other ratings here. One example is at page 13, where Flexner describes young Washington's trip to a French fort at the confluence of French Creek with the Monongahela ("now Franklin, Pennsylvania"). The problem is that French Creek flows into the Allegheny, not the Monongahela.
Another problem occurs when he describes (p. 24) how Washington accompanied General Braddock at the disastrous defeat at Turtle Creek in July 1755. Of course, Washington was 23 in July 1755, having been born in February 22 (Feb 11 by the old calendar), 1732. In the next chapter, he describes how after Braddock's defeat the British Army left Virginia defenseless, so the Virginia Assembly created its own army, and Washington "now twenty-two" was elected colonel (page 28).
In an early battle of the Revolutionary War he describes how Washington held a strong position at White Plains, NY, but was outflanked and decided to move to higher hills near New Castle. Although New Castle, NY and North Castle, NY are close geographically, the hills in question are in North Castle.
The book is also written in an annoying manner, using words (not quoted) like "unwisdom" and "plaguey." The writing seems at the level of a sophomore term paper. There have to be better one-volume biographies.

An excellent overview............2007-08-28

George Washington is known, of course, as the "father of our country"; that's not completely true, but what is true is that without Washington we might still be flying the Union Jack; he was "The Indespensable Man". He was a reticent, self-controlled, man who never let others get too close; this makes a biographer's task difficult, but it hasn't kept a LOT of people from trying. Washington may well have more published biographies than any man who ever lived; thus, we look hard at each new one, as if daring the author to justify his choice of subject. The volume here is James Thomas Flexner's abridgment of his own multi-volume work, and a wonderful offering it is.

Part of the problem in a study of Washington is the immense wealth of available material; Washington was famous from his mid teens on, building a great military reputation at an age when Jefferson was still in school, and Patrick Henry was tending bar. The great Douglas Southall Freeman who wrote the definitive multi-volume biographies of both Washington and Lee commented on the differing problems; Washington was famous early; Robert E. Lee didn't "hit the big time" till he was 55, so a biographer has to hunt for the early material [again, this hasn't stopped a lot of folks from trying].

Flexner has chosen to focus on the centrality of George Washington to the process of our becoming a nation...Washington was viewed as superior by his own contemporaries; their deference to him was as natural as breathing. Adams and Jefferson were better educated, many were better writers or public speakers [yes, yes, I know; Jefferson was a real thorn in his side...but that was later, and he still showed respect]. BUT, Washington had the limitless strength of character, the absolute refusal to quit no matter how bad things got [in 1776, they were pretty bad], without which we could not have won our freedom. It remained for Jefferson to think up, and write down, the ideas that make us work, but first, the battles had to be won......

There are lies told about Washington, some important, some not...he never chopped down a cherry tree...he did not have wooden teeth [he had around nine sets over the years, mostly ivory, or animal teeth, spring hinged, set in a lead base...I've seen one set...hideous]...he was not without passion, he just controlled it well. Washington was not without faults; he was over ambitious, but always for the public good...he married Martha for her money...he was a lousy son to his Mother, but then Mary was a lousy mother, a real "Mommie Deaerst"; still, George got his strength of character, and his horse riding ability, from her. The only real public blot I can find comes from the Presidential years....his lack of faith in Edmund Randolph.

George Washington is tough for us to get a good handle on; alas, that was true for his contemporaries, too. The reasons that he is difficult to "figure out" are very different than those that Jefferson is, but still real. Everybody needs to read one good bio of Washington; this is a pretty good choice, easily readable, and readily available. Other good choices are Joseph Ellis' "His Excellency", Willard Sterne Randall, and Richard Harwell's one volume abridgment of Freeman's magnum opus [the full seven volumes are impossible to find at a decent price]. There are one volume versons of sets by Washington Irving and John Marshall, the latter abridgment done by Marshall himself. These are pretty much for people like me, and are only available thru specialized venues like Mount Vernon, or The John Marshall House. [both authors met Washington, though Irving was only seven; neither mentions Sally Fairfax...] If you want to read them all, go for it; if you only want one, try this.....

Terribly disappointing.......2007-05-09

This book is not worth your time. After reading the reviews by other users I expected to put away all other interpretations of Washington in favor of this title. However, after 50 pages of reading I simply could go no further. Having read several other Washington biographies, I was appalled by Flexner's elementary treatment of such an important individual. Events are dumbed down, simplified, or passed over entirely, completely leaving out the anecdotal flavor afforded by other titles. Really a perfunctory effort.

Another reviewer really said it best, comparing Flexner's book to a high school or college term paper. Flexner's work reminds me of several I have written; all begun the night before the due date and handed in with an ashamed look on my face.

Don't be deceived by the high ratings given this book. Pass this over and pick up another title. Try Ellis's short treatment or D.S. Freeman's one-volume distillation of his seven-volume work.

Uplifting.......2007-04-01

I felt I owed a great debt to Washington when reading this book.
Flexner explains the struggles, incredible mistakes and growth of Washington especially while in command.
This volume is a good companion to 1776 and Adams. All written by authors not ashamed to be both patriotic and show the human condition of American founding fathers.

The Indisensable Biography.......2007-03-30

This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about the father of our great nation.

Average customer rating:

One of our favorite revolutionary war books!
Ryan Reader's 3
Ryan's Readers 2
Phoebe the Spy
Great story

Phoebe the Spy
Judith Griffin
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0698119568

Book Description

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . .

"This episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse." (School Library Journal)

Customer Reviews:

One of our favorite revolutionary war books!.......2007-05-15

A great book to include in a unit study or just read out loud to your children. It is filled with excitement and intrigue for children. There is a book two to Phoebe the Spy!

Ryan Reader's 3.......2007-02-07

Phoebe Fraunces is a young girl that is on a mission to help Genearal George Washinngton and findd is trying to kill him.Phoebe had to be a spy. So she had to work undercover.She was a maid for Mr. Washington.I love this book because it was very mysterous.

Ryan's Readers 2.......2007-01-31

Phoebe the Spy is a great book. This is what happens: Phoebe's father asked Phoebe to be a spy and Phoebe said yes, she would do it. She was a brave girl. Phoebe is a wonderful spy. She helped save General Washington's life from Thomas Hickey. I likeed this book because it is a mystery book and I love mystery books.

Phoebe the Spy.......2007-01-19

This is an exciting and wonderful book, but the title character is not real. You can visit the Fraunces Tavern in NYC at Broad and Pearl Streets, and they will tell you that Sam never had a daughter named Phoebe. It is a great book to read, but they need to change the postscript in the back and let people know that the Fraunces family was not African-American, and Thomas Hickey was a traitor, not an assassin.

Great story.......2005-02-23

I liked this book alot! I had to read it for 5th grade so I thought it would stink, but it was really interesting.

Average customer rating:

Good book, not quite great
intriguing and unconventional, but not at all holistic
Great biography!
Fair portrayal
Excellent book

His Excellency: George Washington
Joseph J. Ellis
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1400040310
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Amazon.com

As commander of the Continental army, George Washington united the American colonies, defeated the British army, and became the world's most famous man. But how much do Americans really know about their first president? Today, as Pulitzer Prize-winner Joseph J. Ellis says in this crackling biography, Americans see their first president on dollar bills, quarters, and Mount Rushmore, but only as "an icon--distant, cold, intimidating." In truth, Washington was a deeply emotional man, but one who prized and practiced self-control (an attribute reinforced during his years on the battlefield).

Washington first gained recognition as a 21-year-old emissary for the governor of Virginia, braving savage conditions to confront encroaching French forces. As the de facto leader of the American Revolution, he not only won the country's independence, but helped shape its political personality and "topple the monarchical and aristocratic dynasties of the Old World." When the Congress unanimously elected him president, Washington accepted reluctantly, driven by his belief that the union's very viability depended on a powerful central government. In fact, keeping the country together in the face of regional allegiances and the rise of political parties may be his greatest presidential achievement.

Based on Washington's personal letters and papers, His Excellency is smart and accessible--not to mention relatively brief, in comparison to other encyclopedic presidential tomes. Ellis's short, succinct sentences speak volumes, allowing readers to glimpse the man behind the myth. --Andy Boynton

Amazon.com Exclusive Content
Curious about George?
Amazon.com reveals a few facts about the legendary first president of the United States.

Washington bust by Jean Antoine Houdon.
Courtesy of the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Assoc.

1. The famous tale about Washington chopping down the cherry tree ("Father, I cannot tell a lie") is a complete fabrication.

2. George Washington never threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River--in fact, to do so from the shore of his Mount Vernon home would have been physically impossible.

3. George Washington did not wear wooden teeth. His poorly fitting false teeth were in fact made of cow's teeth, human teeth, and elephant ivory set in a lead base.

4. Early in his life, Washington was himself a slave owner. His opinions changed after he commanded a multiracial army in the Revolutionary War. He eventually came to recognize slavery as "a massive American anomaly."

5. In 1759, having resigned as Virginia's military commander to become a planter, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis. Washington's marriage to the colony's wealthiest widow dramatically changed his life, catapulting him into Virginia aristocracy.

6. Scholars have discredited suggestions that Washington's marriage to Martha lacked passion, as well as the provocative implications of the well-worn phrase "George Washington slept here."

7. Washington held his first public office when he was 17 years old, as surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia.

8. At age 20, despite no prior military experience, Washington was appointed an adjutant in the Virginia militia, in which he oversaw several militia companies, and was assigned the rank of major.

9. As a Virginia aristocrat, Washington ordered all his coats, shirts, pants, and shoes from London. However, most likely due to the misleading instructions he gave his tailor, the suits almost never fit. Perhaps this is why he appears in an old military uniform in his 1772 portrait.

10. In 1751, during a trip to Barbados with his half-brother Lawrence, Washington was stricken with smallpox and permanently scarred. Fortunately, this early exposure made him immune to the disease that would wipe out colonial troops during the Revolutionary War.

Timeline
Important dates in George Washington's life.

Engraving of Mount Vernon, 1804. Courtesy of the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Assoc.

1732: George Washington is born at his father's estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

1743: George's father, Augustine Washington, dies.

1752: At age 20, despite the fact that he has never served in the military, Washington is appointed adjutant in the Virginia militia, with the rank of major.

1753: As an emissary to Virginia Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie, he travels to the Ohio River Valley to confront French forces--the first of a series of encounters that would lead to the French and Indian War.

1755: Washington is appointed commander-in-chief of Virginia's militia.

1759: He marries wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis.

1774: Washington is elected to the First Continental Congress.

1775: He is unanimously elected by the Continental Congress as its army's commander-in-chief. Start of the American Revolution.

1776: On Christmas Day, Washington leads his army across the Delaware River and launches a successful attack against Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey.

1781: With the French, he defeats British troops in Yorktown, Virginia, precipitating the end of the war.

1783: The Revolutionary War officially ends.

1788: The Constitution is ratified.

1789: Washington is elected president.

1797: He fulfills his last term as president.

1799: Washington dies on December 14, sparking a period of national mourning.

Book Description

The author of seven highly acclaimed books, Joseph J. Ellis has crafted a landmark biography that brings to life in all his complexity the most important and perhaps least understood figure in American history, George Washington. With his careful attention to detail and his lyrical prose, Ellis has set a new standard for biography.

Drawing from the newly catalogued Washington papers at the University of Virginia, Joseph Ellis paints a full portrait of George Washington’s life and career–from his military years through his two terms as president. Ellis illuminates the difficulties the first executive confronted as he worked to keep the emerging country united in the face of adversarial factions. He richly details Washington’s private life and illustrates the ways in which it influenced his public persona. Through Ellis’s artful narration, we look inside Washington’s marriage and his subsequent entrance into the upper echelons of Virginia’s plantation society. We come to understand that it was by managing his own large debts to British merchants that he experienced firsthand the imperiousness of the British Empire. And we watch the evolution of his attitude toward slavery, which led to his emancipating his own slaves in his will. Throughout, Ellis peels back the layers of myth and uncovers for us Washington in the context of eighteenth-century America, allowing us to comprehend the magnitude of his accomplishments and the character of his spirit and mind.

When Washington died in 1799, Ellis tells us, he was eulogized as “first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Since then, however, his image has been chisled onto Mount Rushmore and printed on the dollar bill. He is on our landscape and in our wallets but not, Ellis argues, in our hearts. Ellis strips away the ivy and legend that have grown up over the Washington statue and recovers the flesh-and-blood man in all his passionate and fully human prowess.

In the pantheon of our republic’s founders, there were many outstanding individuals. And yet each of them–Franklin, Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison– acknowledged Washington to be his superior, the only indispensable figure, the one and only “His Excellency.” Both physically and politically, Washington towered over his peers for reasons this book elucidates. His Excellency is a full, glorious, and multifaceted portrait of the man behind our country’s genesis, sure to become the authoritative biography of George Washington for many decades.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, not quite great.......2007-09-05

I liked the idea that the author tried to cover all of Washington's life. I didn't like that he tried to keep it in a shorter format. There was scarce detail about his leadership in the Revolutionary War and I really didn't learn a great deal about how his presidency -- the all-important and precedent setting first presidency -- went. I did learn a lot about the scheming of rivals and the evolution of the two party system, and a great deal about Washington and his thoughts on slavery. I actually learned more about Washington as a military leader from Benson Bobrick's "Angel in the Whirlwind" than I did from this book. I would have been more than willing to have read a couple more hundred pages, if necessary, in order to gain a fuller picture of the man and his military and political leadership. It was nice that it was not too lengthy, but when you're covering a topic this expansive, sometimes there's hardly a thing as "too long." It was a good book, and certainly worth reading, but I can't imagine there's not better resources out there somewhere.

intriguing and unconventional, but not at all holistic.......2007-08-02

The image of George Washington the idol, the statesman, the restrained aristocrat, and the ideal president has always permeated society to some extent. While Joseph J. Ellis feels some of his reputation survives because of Washington's actual character, he also believes much of the legacy surrounding the man is mere legend. While any historical study should certainly look to the past with a skeptical and objective eye, Ellis attempts to deconstruct so much of Washington's reputation that it often feels like he's skimming over many of the important aspects of Washington that made him truly great. As a result, "His Excellency" doesn't read like an objective biography, but rather like a skeptical revisionist's history of a man who is widely respected and revered. This is not to say it's a worthless read or an unscholarly diatribe; Ellis' work is a thorough, intriguing study of Washington, it's just not a holistic, timeless biographical portrait.

Ellis immediately skips past the majority of Washington's childhood, jumping directly to the French and Indian War as a starting point. This in itself feels rushed and, while Ellis does effectively illustrate Washington's transition from immature twenty-somethingness to restrained manhood, he fails to illustrate any notable backdrop of childhood and adolescence. From the French and Indian War up until the end of the Revolutionary War Ellis' portrait of Washington focuses mostly on his motivations in private life, which Ellis views as being based in self-interest and desire for land and economic wealth. These were most definitely motivations of Washington, but Ellis spends so much time on these that all of the other considerations seem either ignored or deemed false. The second half of the book, focusing on Washington's post-war achievements, discusses "the man" of Washington through the same lens of self-interest. This time, however, Ellis talks with relation to the public, political realm. While it is interesting to examine Washington's self-interested motivations in either light, once again, Ellis' depiction feels rushed and narrow.

Right from the beginning it seemed obvious that Ellis was painting a much more skeptically speculative than objective interpretation of Washington as a man, but it seems as though Ellis himself believes this book is a happy medium between revisionism and idolatry. I trust that Ellis' intention in writing the work was to be highly objective and void of any revisionist tones, but in the extent Ellis speculates extensively on obscure quotes and instances while breezing over the traditional milestones we all know, one senses that Ellis is exaggerating minute, whether true or not, aspects of Washington while ignoring the other vital events, motivations, spiritual leanings, and characteristics that made up the man.

On a more positive note, Ellis' research and speculation is fascinating and often convincing, his writing style is also fluid and highly readable; this somewhat made up for the lack of a complete angle at Washington, and provided for an enjoyable reading experience despite my disappointments in the area of "focus". Many Washington fanatics may actually appreciate the work for the exact same reasons I didn't. This is the first biography I've read solely discussing the character of Washington in any significant depth, and after Ellis' reassurance in the preface that this was not an attempt at revision or extensive speculation I was eager to pursue the study. This was simply not what I took to be the reality of his writing.

If they had a 3 1/2 star rating, that is what I would've given this book. I must simply say that if one has the time and desire to read only one biography of Washington, this may not be the best choice. It is interesting and worthwhile in an out of the ordinary, academic-pursuit way, but I felt it was no where near a holistic view of Washington's character. For the history reader that only wishes to read one book on Washington I would look elsewhere; for the Washington buff that wants a specific, unconventional speculation of the man, Ellis' work may turn out to be quite appealing.

Great biography!.......2007-07-25

This is my first biography on George Washington, and I readily devoured this book. As the de facto leader of the American Revolution, he united the American colonies, defeated the British, won the country's independence, and became the world's most famous man during his time.

The author did a good job at portraying Washington as a mere mortal, though, with all-too-human qualities, rather than as a saint or superhuman. I learnt new facts about Washington that I never knew.

(1) George Washington was one of the richest Americans of his time! This was revealed when his will was drawn. He owned huge plots of land and over 200 slaves. However, he had the assets but not liquid money, which he was always short off. He watched over his accounts with a ruthless eye. For example, when he discovered that some settlers had settled on his land, he took them to court and eventually won!

(2) George Washington was the first and only president to lead an army and go into battle during his office term.

(3) Washington was always conscious of death. His family all died before the age of 50, and he always felt that his time had come. The thought of death was always looming in his head.

(4) Washington regarded his slaves as assets and was not eager to free them. In fact, when any of them ran away he made sure to find them! It was only in his will that he finally ordered his estate to free his slaves after his death (on December 14, 1799). The author leaves the reader confused as to why Washington did not free his slaves during his lifetime, since he eventually came to recognize slavery as "a massive American anomaly."

(5) After defeating the British, Washington could have taken over the country for himself. Instead, he went into retirement. When Congress unanimously elected him president, he accepted reluctantly. He was also pressured into serving a second term against his wishes. Though he was encouraged to run for a third term, he declined the offer.

(6) His life story showed me that even great men have opponents. He faced criticism and ridicule throughout his career by many of his own contemporaries. Many were very harsh towards him accusing him of senility and of being a dictator. But unlike Napoleon or King George of England, he had no aspirations of becoming king or emperor, and I was quite impressed by that. His aim was to maintain the independence of his new country, and to avoid any swing towards monarchy.

(7) It was in 1781 with the help of General Lafayette's French army that Washington was finally able to defeat the British. Vive la France!

(8) George Washington is famous for his false teeth.

(9) Washington was not a tactician. He lost many battles and made a lot of blunders. For example, his decision to fight the English in Canada, where most of his troops died of disease and starvation, and ended up eating their horses and returning home without shoes!

(10) He was sympathetic towards the native Indians. He often said that they were like him, fighting for independence. He strongly believed that treaties with them should be honored (they never were).

(11) Washington's amazing career was driven by self-interest. Ellis suggests that nearly every decision Washington made was based on some selfish desire to further his economic standing. Everything Washington did, Ellis claims, was based on greed and lust for recognition and wealth. Ellis paints the portrait of a bitter, violent, selfish, and greedy Washington. He states that Washington's men were frequently beaten and occasionally executed when any disobeyed orders or defected. He was very aware of his place in history and he chose his actions with an eye toward what people would think of him in the future. It is difficult to know for certain what he truly believed, and what he just said or wrote for posterity.

(12) Washington did not believe in a heaven or hell.

After reading this book, I ordered all DVDs about George Washington. The author really encouraged me to know more about this great man who despite the power he wielded, did not succumb to it and never wanted to be king! Not many possessing such power would have done the same.

I now better understand the man I never really knew. It was a real pleasure getting to know him.

This is a great book and I highly recommend it!

Fair portrayal.......2007-06-09

I felt the book is a fair portrayal of Washington as a human and gives the reader a new insight into the person. Mr. Ellis tries to take a man which has become a myth in his own time and deconstruct him to see what makes him tick. What did he find; Washington was a man like any of us, making his decisions based on what's good for his bank account, and putting in strategic moves for the future. We must remember that in that time people put in work to collect decades later, unlike today.

This is an overview of Washington's life, the important decisions he made and why did he make them. Mr. Ellis' research is well founded; his speculations and premises make logical sense and put a new light on old tales.

Are Mr. Ellis' assumptions correct?
Who know, but isn't that half the fun or reading history books, to make your own assumptions, theories and hypothesis and see if the author agrees with you.

Don't be afraid to read this book, you will come away with a great appreciation and admiration to Washington because, not despite, he was a human being and not a super-man.

Excellent book.......2007-04-25

This was an exellent book about an amazing man of which we owe our country too. Mr. Ellis' writing as that of a great story. There were parts in this book that were very moving to me personally such as Washington's retirement as commander in chief and his life after the presidency. This book provided a clear conception of knowing Washington personally. I was very pleased with the many writtings regarding slavery and how this issued was a very dividing one that Washington decided to table for years as it would have ripped the infant nation apart as it had done during the civil war. It was good to see how Washington did struggle with this moral issue ultimatly freeing his (legally owned) slaves upon his death. Many precedents were set by Washington's first term. This book gives great insights of the politics and early party formations at the beginning of our democracy. This autobiography gives a very good picture of Washington's leadership skills during the Revolutionary War. And it gives insights as to why Washington turned to independence after trying so hard to emulate English aristocracy before the War - namely economic reasons. It gives details of his early life and personal love affair and his wife. It showed how Washington, an uneducate man primarily learned through his failures and experience to become a great leader. It speaks in lengths about Washington's strengths and weakness. One thing I found was how Madison and more so Jefferson were villified as betraying Washington in his second term as president. This is a great read about one of over most important figures in US history usually forgotten about.

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