A really well-written and thoroughly researched book about George Washington and how he became the man we would all call our founding President. A really good look at his life well before he became the leader of the Colonies helped me to see just how great of a leader he truly was. A really good book.

This book is a biographical account that provides a great insight into the circumstances that made Washington the man that we remember him as

I enjoyed learning how he enhanced his leadership skills when he faced defeat repeatedly

He led various battles for over 20 years (up until the 1750s) and his performed a significant role in defining the Presidential office of the USA

John writes this biography from an academic approach as it is well researched and factual but not boring. The reader is not overwhelmed with unnecessary words and understands the important role Washington played in the American history.

Favourite Quote: “Courteous, deferential, soft-spoken, Washington followed followed the the gentleman’s code he had studied so attentively”

I had a hard time reading this book. It was good, but a bit confusing at times, with some places having personal opinion overload. It was obvious that this author admires President George Washington a great deal. He praises him often and sometimes over the top. But I do have to agree that Washington is one of the very best we have ever had. As for this book, if you enjoy the political side and the military side of stories, you will probably like this one.

This was a very interesting book, the autobiography of our first elected president made sure to separate fact from the many myths that have grown up around George Washington. I had known for awhile that this book was being written, having heard the author mention it on a documentary on George Washington. I was thrilled to get a chance to read an eARC of it from NetGalley. I really enjoyed reading an up to date biography of the former general turned President of our country. I will definitely be buying a copy for my history/biography book collection.

As a complete outsider to all things historical when it comes to America, I was hoping for a big fat juicy biography to learn much about this first President of the United States. Sadly, this is not a book for a newbie to take on. Confusing from the start, his early years are given in dribs and drabs which is understandable as he wasn't a prominent son but still made for a lack of interest in the book. Reading about Washington in his 20's makes him sound like a lucky brown nose who wanted the glory of a British military rank with no military success to warrant it. Thankfully he improves as he ages, but always it is because he wants his reputation to be good, rather than leading the people because he believed in what he was doing. A proud American, he got there because of the snubbing he got from the British establishment rather than having a fire in his belly that the colonies should make a country in its own right.
This book gives great focus on giving much detail to the War Effort between American colonies and the British Empire and information such as numbers of men in the militia are given often. This book would be something for those interested in the military history of each battle as a general overview of the battles is given in some detail. There is very little about the emotions or choices that Washington makes and why, apart from his never ending need to be admired. Although I'm sure that for the military minded there really isn't enough detail in the history for those that way inclined.
It gives detailed accounts of the set up of both the United States Constitution and the actual governmental offices. If you lack a strong background in USA political history, this book will leave you confused as it jumps from one person of note to another, such as jumping from Jefferson to Hamilton in a few sentences. Great swathes of chapters are taken up with discussing the national debt and how to fairly share the responsibility for paying the loans back with almost no part given to Washington's involvement.
George Washington. Reluctant leader. Bad military leader who often won by sheer luck rather than brilliant tactics. Bad public speaker. Not known for his conversational skills. Willing to endure opposition. Self grandiose about his reputation. These are just some of the impressions one gets from this piece.
This book tends to make for dry reading. Of its factual standing there are over 50 pages of notes and many different sources highlighted including both primary and secondary sources.
Its just not a great book for a novice.

This is that kind of biography where you find much more details about the political and/or military decision of the subject. I can't say that I like it because I lost interest pretty soon. Maybe if you are a little obsessed with Washington you'll really like it, but if not, a wiki article I think should be enough..