A much-needed concise biography of America's first president. As editor of the award-winning Library of America collection of George Washington's writings and a curator of the great man's original papers, John Rhodehamel has established himself as an authority of our nation's preeminent founding father. Rhodehamel examines George Washington as a public figure, arguing that the man – who first achieved fame in his early twenties – is inextricably bound to his mythic status. Solidly grounded in Washington's papers and exemplary in its brevity, this approachable biography is a superb introduction to the leader whose name has become synonymous with America.
About the Author
John Rhodehamel is the former archivist of Mount Vernon and curator of American historical manuscripts at the Huntington Library. He is editor of "George Washington: Writings" and "The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence, 1775-1783". He lives in Newport Beach, CA.
Reviews
"John Rhodehamel, who has written many books about George Washington, here conveys his deepest and most enduring view of the man. In strong, straightforward prose, he tells Washington's extraordinary story, without bravura flourishes or exaggerations. It is a memorable reading experience" – Thomas Fleming, author of "The Great Divide: The Conflict Between Washington and Jefferson That Defined a Nation"
"A splendid single-volume biography of Washington. Rhodehamel captures him and his accomplishments as well as anyone can. A smooth and interesting read" – Mark Mastromarino, former editor, "The Papers of George Washington", University of Virginia
"The interpretation is profound, clear and well-stated, and the author is certainly an expert on George Washington, worthy of tackling the problem of writing a short biography of the long, complicated, and monumental life of the most important founder of the United States" – Douglas Bradburn, Founding Director, The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington. Mount Vernon, Virginia
"John Rhodehamel has written an authoritative and well-rounded biography of the great man and made him and his very different world clearly accessible to us" – Gordon Wood, Professor of History Emeritus, Brown University, GSW
