Washington, George

Average customer rating:

Very good
Intresting but Dull
Magical
True Grit
Good, But Not Up To His Top Notch

The Night Gardener
George Pelecanos
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316156507

Book Description

The haunting story of three copsone good, one bad, one brokenand the murder that reunites them in a showdown decades in the making. Gus Ramone is good police, a former Internal Affairs investigator now working homicide for the citys Violent Crime branch. His new case involves the death of a local teenager named Asa, whose body has been found in a community garden. The murder unearths intense memories of a case Ramone worked as a patrol cop 20 years earlier, when he and his partner, Dan Doc Holiday, assisted a legendary detective named T.C. Cook. The series of murders, all involving local teenage victims, was never solved. In the years since, Holiday has left the force under a cloud of morals charges. Cook has retired, but he has never stopped agonizing about the Night Gardener killings. The new case draws the three men together, re-igniting the love, regret, and anger that once burned between them, and old ghosts walk once more as they try to lay to rest the monster who has stalked their dreams.

Customer Reviews:

Very good.......2007-05-18

Just finished this book and found it to be very good, I'll definitely read more of this author's books, if he has any. My comments:

1) Very well written and easy to read.
2) Well written characters. The characters are what makes this book worth reading. You are drawn to them and they are well fleshed out (as another reviewer said below, the crime seems to be an after thought.)
3) Good description of the nitty gritty of life in the DC area.
3) However, too much drama; I'd rather he focus more on the crime than the protagonist's family life. It just takes away from the story, IMHO.
4) Two story threads. I didn't really care about the minor thread. It was nicely tied together at the end (artistically if I may say so), but it just detracts away from the main story.
5) Even though most people could guess the ending, the crime was never solved by the protagonists, it was just given away on the last page. Too bad, but it's an unusual ending. You could say it was a surprise ending that way for people who expected the crime to be solved. I think it could have ended better.
6) A little jumpy as it jumped from one thread to another and you really didn't know how they were connected (they weren't really connected together).

Conclusion: I would still recommend the book because it was well written. There are many "best sellers" out there which are a struggle to read, but this one drew me along. It's a good book when I can't put it down and will trade sleeping time for reading time and I did for this one. I will now look for other books written by this author.

Intresting but Dull.......2007-04-10

The story is a very good story you are always on the edge but the ending is not what i expected and it is not very intresting

Magical.......2007-03-03

I loved reading this book. I guess I was expecting a novel like this to be essentially about a murder and the hunt for the killer, with everything else working in service to that end, but what i found was that the real joy of this story was in its moments and conversations and rhythms, which were intoxicating and had the power to move me along all on their own. It is a crime novel almost as an afterthought, although there is plenty of blood and guns to keep the demons happy, but the real payoff is in its complex portrayal of the unpredictable and realistic human nature of the characters. In a genre that deals mostly in two-dimensional black and white characters, this book never stops surprising you with who does what and (most importantly) why.

True Grit.......2007-02-26

Washington, DC, homicide detective Gus Ramone is unlike Dirty Harry or Harry Bosch or almost any of the maverick cops who, always ready with a smart one-liner, that fill the pages of modern crime fiction. "Ramone" is a straight-shooting, by-the-books humble investigator with strong family ties simply doing his best to "protect and serve." With Ramone as the centerpiece, the talented George Pelecanos pens a thoughtful and intelligent murder mystery the rises to near the top of the genre.

When a teenager is found dead any apparently murdered in a Washington DC community garden, similarities with a string of murders two decades prior send chills of a return of the never-caught serial killer through DC's Violent Crimes Division. T.C. Cook was the police sergeant in charge of the original investigations, now retired but still obsessed with the big case he was unable to solve. In an unlikely alliance with "Doc" Holiday, a once-partner of Ramone, Cook and the alcohilic Holiday team up to "help" Ramone, while at the same time hopefully burying old ghosts.

This is a well-crafted police procedural with more logic and emotion than action. The demons that trouble all three of the protagonists - Ramone, Holiday, and Cook - are carefully rendered and believable, and the story, if not exactly a page turner, is suspenseful and credible. All in all, a poignant spin on a familiar topic - a hauntingly realistic read that is well worth the time and money.

Good, But Not Up To His Top Notch.......2007-01-26

The Night Gardener is basically a decent thriller novel. However, it is not up to George Pelecanos's standards. Then again, even the best writers slip every now and then.

If you are new to Pelecanos, then you are likely to find this a great read. If you are a Pelecanos addict, then this will be a disappointing book.

Hopefully, he will regain his previous form with his next work.

Revolutionary War On Wednesday (Magic Tree House 22, paper)

Average customer rating:

MY BOY LOVES READING IT
Great Book! Ignore the Bad Reviews if you just want your kids to enjoy reading and be read to!!!!
revolutionary war on wednesday
Great book!
Revolutionary War on Wednesday

Revolutionary War On Wednesday (Magic Tree House 22, paper)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679890688
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Amazon.com

If it's Wednesday, it must be Revolutionary War day. Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House series, are in for another adventure in their time- and space-traveling tree house. Mysterious magical librarian Morgan le Fay has set four new tasks for the siblings. Jack and Annie must find four special kinds of writing for Morgan's library in order to save Camelot, the ancient kingdom of King Arthur. In Civil War on Sunday, the pair traveled back to the 1860s to collect a list of rules ("something to follow") from famous nurse Clara Barton. Now they discover they must visit another war era: the Revolutionary War. Jack and Annie set aside their apprehension and soon they're spinning back through time to Christmas Day, 1776, on the banks of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, where they encounter none other than the man on the dollar bill himself, George Washington! The children accidentally-on-purpose end up embroiled in the famous commander-in-chief's mission, where they not only play a part in convincing Washington to carry on with his patriotic duty, but also find the second kind of writing for Morgan's library: "something to send."

Award-winning author Mary Pope Osborne's young adventure series, The Magic Tree House, is immensely popular among children and teachers alike, promoting a fascination with history--and reading--no textbook can match. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to Colonial America. They arrive just as General george Washington is planning the crossing of the Delaware. Before they know it, Jack and Annie are in a boat with the Father of Our Country as history is made!

Customer Reviews:

MY BOY LOVES READING IT.......2007-01-07

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

Great Book! Ignore the Bad Reviews if you just want your kids to enjoy reading and be read to!!!!.......2006-01-06

COME ON PEOPLE! First of all this book and the entire series is meant for KIDS NOT ADULTS so go with the flow. Imagine you are a boy or girl who is 5 or 6 and is just starting to enjoy stories and reading. You will love it! The whole point of a book is to have children begging for more. This book and the series does just that! ENOUGH SAID! My 5 yr old loves this book and as a result he has become interested in American History. This appetite he has led us to purchase many more books on history. In my opinion, the book has accomplished what I wanted. AN INTEREST IN LEARNING! AN INTEREST IN HISTORY! AND AN INTEREST IN READING! The text should be simple! The text should be silly at times! Thank you to Mary Pope Osborne for creating a wonderful series which I believe has turned my child into a history buff eager to learn everything about America!

revolutionary war on wednesday.......2005-02-18

one summer day in Frog Creek, Pensylvania, a Mysterious tree house oppeared in the woods. eight year old Jack and his seven year old sister; annie, climbed into the tree house. They found that it was filled with books. Jack and annie soon discovered that the tree house was majic. It could take to the places in the books, all they had to do was point a picture and wish to go there. Along the way, Jack and annie discovered that the tree belong to Morgan Le fay.morgan is a magical library from camelot,long ago of king auther.She travles through the time and space gathering books. The magic tree house books # 13-16, jack and annie had to save for ancient stories from being lost forever.In magic tree house#17-20 jack and annie trade a misterious little dog from a magic spell.In magictree books #17-20 jack and annie trade a new challange.Tey must find 4 special kinds of writing for morgans library to help save camelot.

Great book!.......2004-01-27

How would you feel if you were in a war? Find out by Reading Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie were in a war to get a stone for
George Washington. I really liked this book because it was funny. Will Jack and Annie get the stone in time? Find out by reading this book!

Revolutionary War on Wednesday.......2003-05-20

Revolutionary War on Wednesday, is about two kids who go on magical quests for Megan, the librarian. In this book, Jack and Annie recieve another riddle to answer, from Megan. This time they must search into the past for clues on somthing to send to Megan, that way she can help Camelot.
I thought that this book was fantastic. It was the first Magic Tree House book that i had ever read, although its number 22. I would defenetly recommend this book to people who are interested in mysteries.

Average customer rating:

A Powerful, Engaging & Poignant Book About the Faith of Washington

George Washington's Sacred Fire
Peter A. Lillback
Manufacturer: Providence Forum Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0978605268

Product Description

What sets "George Washington's Sacred Fire" apart from all previous works on this man for the ages, is the exhaustive fifteen years of Dr. Peter Lillback's research, revealing a unique icon driven by the highest of ideals. Only do George Washington's own writings, journals, letters, manuscripts, and those of his closest family and confidants reveal the truth of this awe-inspiring role model for all generations. Dr. Lillback paints a picture of a man, who, faced with unprecedented challenges and circumstances, ultimately drew upon his persistent qualities of character - honesty, justice, equity, perseverence, piety, forgiveness, humility, and servant leadership, to become one of the most revered figures in world history. George Washington set the cornerstone for what would become one of the most prosperous, free nations in the history of civilization. Through this book, Dr. Lillback, assisted by Jerry Newcombe, will reveal to the reader a newly inspirational image of General and President George Washington.

Customer Reviews:

A Powerful, Engaging & Poignant Book About the Faith of Washington.......2006-09-29

Dr. Peter Lillback and co-author Jerry Newcombe, have hit a smashing home run with this extraordinarily powerful book on George Washington.

After spending over a decade of research going through all the original documents of George Washington, Lillback has exposed the myths about this true man of Christian faith, and proven without a doubt that Washington was a follower of Christ Jesus and not merely a Deist.

This must have book is broken up into seven sections that cover the controversy over George Washington, the historical background of Washington, Washington's life, and Washington as a churchman, and even the debate over Washington and communion.

My favorite part of the book was the ten appendices at the end that cover the rules of civility and decent behavior that Washington abided by, as well as representative biblical quotations and allusions that Washington used all of the time. The other appendices cover sermons, and other prayers by others that were impacting to Washington.

This book also has beautiful photographs within its pages and a few hundred pages of endnotes so that you can go directly to the source and see for yourself the truth about Washington.

In this day of revisionist history, where the liberals are trying to convince the world that faith was not a part of the founding of this country, Dr. Lillback's work is a two fisted punch in the nose to prove otherwise.

This is a much needed book in the public schools, universities, pulpit and church libraries and every patriot in America. Buy it today, you won't be disappointed.

George Washington Smith: An Architect's Scrapbook

Average customer rating:

SPANISH COLONIAL MASTER
Fantastic collection..

George Washington Smith: An Architect's Scrapbook
Marc Appleton
Manufacturer: Tailwater Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 097057200X

Book Description

Culled from the remains of an original scrapbook comes a long overdue publication of the work of an architect who all but defined the Spanish Colonial Revival of the early twentieth century. Containing magazine articles and photographs published during Smith's lifetime, this book is an essential addition to the library of any student, practioner or afficionado of Southern California Architecture. It also contains a brief introduction written by Marc Appleton.

Customer Reviews:

SPANISH COLONIAL MASTER.......2006-09-26

This is a fascinating book on a singular talent. It was so interesting to see images and articles, gathered from the era in which Mr. Smith practiced. The photos are wonderful and the text is highly informative. George Washington Smith was the foremost master of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and this book honors him. I highly recommend it to anyone with any interest whatsoever in this style of architecure, you wont be disappointed, it is a long awaited tribute to one of the finest American residental architects of the 20th century.

Fantastic collection.........2003-02-22

This is truely is a must have book for anyone remotely interested in Santa Barbara architecture. Beautiful images and sketches of the historic work of George Washington Smith make up this coffee table treasure. Highly reccommended.

Average customer rating:

George Washington A Biography 7 Volumes
Douglas Southall Freeman
Manufacturer: Charles Scribner's and Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Washington's Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History)

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Top-Notch history from a Top-Notch historian
What can I say that hasn't been said
Excellent work
Excellent
It is a fine fox chase

Washington's Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History)
David Hackett Fischer
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 019518159X

Book Description

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.

Customer Reviews:

Top-Notch history from a Top-Notch historian.......2007-06-24

This is probably about as well organized and detailed as any book on a single historical event can get. That it does so without loosing pace or drying out is commendable. While the title may lead one to believe that this book is only about the famous "midnight" crossing, the actual event serves as the centerpiece for the story with the painting by Emanuel Leutze as its starting point. In fact, "Washington's Crossing" deals as much with the events leading up to and afterwards as it does the actual crossing. It is also about more then just the famous crossing with which we are all familiar. Several other Delaware River crossings are detailed including the initial retreat from the ensuing British, the return from the battle of Trenton, and the advance back into New Jersey shortly thereafter. The book is also a detailed biography of George Washington's years just before and into the fist several months of the American Revolution. Appropriately enough this book is also, at times, about the Delaware River itself.

Davis Hackett Fischer deserves five stars on his writing style alone. This book flows like a well written story, which is appropriate in that history is human drama. The book starts with a description and history of the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware and then discusses the recent arguments over the painting's accuracy. It seems to have become the fashion lately to debunk this painting over various, some rather trivial details, such as time of day, type of boats used, and even how chunks of ice depicted in the painting, Fischer staunchly defends the painting based on what and who it represents, and most importantly the spirit that is represented. One appreciates Fisher's references throughout this book that American history is not something that needs an apology.

The first three chapters provide a thorough background on all of the major players, the American rebels, the British regulars, and the Hessian mercenaries. Fischer maintains a sense of objectivity in his accounts. Although the acts of rape, pillage, and violence towards the colonies are not ignored, The British and the Hessians are not merely described as the villains of the story just as the Colonials are not by default "good guys." This book is sympathetic to the American cause, but that does not prevent it from describing the people and nations as what they were. One example is General Cornwallis, who is frequently described the pompous and arrogant buffoon who lost the colonies. Fischer however devotes a fair amount of time to Cornwallis's standing in the British military and career as a whole. The depiction is that of an accomplished military career by all standards and that of a person with his own mind who was well respected by all ranks.

The rest of the book can be divided into three sections starting with the seemingly endless series of disasters that the continental army incurred after the British regulars arrived, including the fall of New York, the execution of Nathan Hale, and the loss of Fort Washington, probably the lowest point for George Washington during the entire revolution. The second, as the book's chronology makes its way towards November and December of 1776, deals with the places and events leading up to and including the Battle of Trenton. There is some good history in this section, particularly the river raiding parties out of Pennsylvania that routinely harassed the British encampments along the Delaware River's banks in New Jersey and numerous contributions they made to the attack on Trenton. This section also details Alexander Hamilton's artillery division, one of the few bright spots for Washington's young army. The final section deals with events following the Battle of Trenton, including post celebration war cabinets trying to decide what to do next, the subsequent trip back across the Delaware, and the Battle of Princeton. Again, there are some great gems of history to be found here. Most notably is Fischer's detailing of the lesser known, but probably more important events unofficially known as the Second Battle of Trenton in which Washington's forces held their ground at Assunpink Creek and turned back Cornwallis's larger and superior forces.

Fischer closes the book with a refreshing and necessary summary and conclusion. While the main body of the book completes in fewer than 400 pages, they are dense with information, which leave one feeling that they have actually completed a much longer book. Additionally, there are numerous appendices detailing all sorts of interesting facts and statistics and a section devoted to the Historiography of Washington's Crossing. This is a formidable book, but it is also a top-notch one that should delight fans of History, the American Revolution, and certainly of George Washington. Newcomers to history should probably work their way through a couple of easier books before tacking this one, but they should still consider putting this one on their shelves for future reading.

What can I say that hasn't been said.......2007-06-03

As an avid early American Historian, I place this book in my top three. This is must reading. The facts are told as they were, through the primary characters and you are there during the end of the mini ice age crossing the Delaware. Like MJ's last shot against Utah, if it didn't really happen, we would all just chalk it up to a Hollywood fairytale.

I read McCullough's 1776 after this and there is no comparison.

This book is so vivid and palpable that I felt obligated to go follow the trail of those early warriors. Amazing!

My other two favorites are Chernow's Hamilton and Gotham.

Excellent work .......2007-05-30

Fischer's Washington's Crossing is detailed account of the New Jersey campaign of 1776-1777, specifically focusing on the battles of Trenton and Princetion. Fischer does a great job of showing the differences between the leadership of Washington and Cornwallis and the effects that the battles of Trenton and Princeton had on the soldiers from both sides. While the book does get bogged down in too much detail in some points and not enough in others, this is a great book.

Excellent.......2007-03-20

This is a wonderful book. Now I want to read all of Mr. Fischer's work.

It is a fine fox chase.......2007-02-23

Before reading this book watch "The Crossing" starring 44yr old Jeff Daniels as 44yr old George. Then open this book and read pages 130-345 to find out the rest of the story. Author Fischer elaborates a mind boggling unlikely series of events, debunking myths, to create a world where truth is stranger than fiction. Forget everything you knew about Trenton-Princeton and enjoy the book
George Washington born February 22, 1732: After being a planter and surveyor he was a Virginia colonel in the French and Indian War 1753-58, participating in battles at Jumonville, Fort Necessity, Monongahela and Fort Duquesne. From 1758-1774 he was a planter and legislator until August 1774 when selected as delegate to the First Continental Congress. The Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred April 19, 1775. The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14 with Washington as commander-in-chief. He placed artillery on Dorchester Heights and forced the British to retreat from Boston. His Continental Army then moved to NYC. In a 1776 general order Washington said to the troops: "Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore to resolve to conquer or die." In August, General William Howe launched a campaign to capture New York. Several defeats against Howe sent Washington out of New York. On December 19 Paine printed These Are The Times That Try Men's Souls which was read to the troops. Some of the people with Washington are 26yr old Secretary of War Henry the Fort Knox, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton(19), Vice President Aaron Burr(20), Hugh Mercer, Nathanael Greene(34), Tom Common Sense Paine(39), 5th President James Monroe(18), Dr. John Riker, John Sullivan, John Glover, Chief Justice John Marshall(21). From McKonkey's Ferry, PA on December 25, 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware, leading 2400 Americans thru withering all night storms with wet gunpowder and 18 inch bayonets, attacking at 8am to capture food, clothing, blankets, tents, cannons, muskets, ammo and nearly 1,000 Hessians in Trenton, NJ. The book continues on another week to cover the Princeton battle. I read all 345 pages today. Later Washington was defeated at Brandywine on September 11, 1777. On September 26 Howe marched into Philadelphia. Washington unsuccessfully attacked the British garrison at Germantown in early October. Meanwhile Burgoyne was trapped and forced to surrender his British at Saratoga. The army camped at Valley Forge in December 1777 where 2,500 men of 10,000 died from disease and exposure. But in spring they emerged in good order thanks to a full-scale training program supervised by Baron von Steuben of the Prussian general staff. The British left Philadelphia in 1778 and returned to New York City. Washington delivered the final blow in 1781 after a French naval victory allowed American and French forces to trap a British army in Virginia. The surrender at Yorktown on October 17, 1781 marked the end of fighting. After the Treaty of Paris in 1783 he retired to Mt Vernon. In 1787 Philadelphia created the Constitutional Convention. 1789 saw the President's First Inaugural in which he said "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are...staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." The Farewell Address September 17, 1796: "One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those, who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection." In March 1797, he returned to Mt Vernon to farm and built one of the nation's largest distilleries, producing 11,000 gallons of whiskey. On December 12, 1799 he spent several hours inspecting his farms on horseback in snow, hail and rain and sat down to dine in wet clothes. The next morning a bad cold, fever and throat infection turned into pneumonia. He died the evening of December 14. Tobias Lear, Washington's personal secretary would record his last words: Tis well. Congressman Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a Revolutionary War comrade and father of Robert E. Lee, famously eulogized Washington: "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns."

Average customer rating:

An insightful biography
Still the greatest
A book about a hero but not for hero-worshippers.
A tough man to get to know.....
Jeffrey B. Genitempo

His Excellency: George Washington
Joseph J. Ellis
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1400032539
Release Date: 2005-11-08

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:

An insightful biography.......2007-07-08

This is a great biography of George Washington and everyone should read it at least once. Joseph J. Ellis is a great historian and his writing is easy to follow. He did his research and brings one of our greatest and well-known presidents to life.

Still the greatest.......2007-07-03

George Washington's legacy is captured by the very word "United States", because as Joseph Ellis notes in his tremendously perceptive biography, it was Washington's consuming vision, from his time as leader of the Continental Army to his Presidency, that the first word "United" trump the second "States". This was no minor achievement. The forces conspiring against the union were many and powerful. During the war for independence, Washington had to contend with the British empire at the height of its powers, as well as an American spirit at the height of its revolutionary individualism. The Continental Congress was as weak and inept as the British empire strong and imperious, and as such, Washington the Commander was faced with a Sisyphean task. To defeat the British, the states were forced to consolidate power, but that very consolidation threatened the spirit of liberty and individualism that birthed the revolution. Making this apparently untenable balance tenable is the defining mark of Washington's legacy, for it followed him into the Presidency, where he had to endure accusations of monarchial ambitions while pursuing a course that led the incipient nation into federalism.

Most importantly, as Ellis notes, no one but Washington could have achieved all of this. And he achieved it precisely because he passionately believed in it. For Washington, American independence and nationhood were synonymous. Independence without unity meant nothing, and so he committed to pursuing a political course that recognized that "what was politically essential for a viable American nation was ideologically at odds with what it claimed to stand for." In other words, the war for independence produced a people deeply distrustful of government, but one absolutely dependent on its centering stimulus. The colonists were fighting for independence from Britain, but any ambition beyond that was subject to debate. Washington was willing to countenance that debate, but he was determined to win it.

While the facts of Washington's Presidency are well and often recounted, what sets Ellis' biography apart are his poignant observations, not only political but also personal. The Washington that emerges here is one of immense pride. His disastrous campaign against New York and other early failures in the war could have been averted had he listened to his young General Nathanial Greene, who favored guerilla tactics. Washington thought the Fabian mode of war beneath a man of his dignity, and only later, when he realized he could not win a conventional war, did Washington swallow his considerable pride and resort to attack and run tactics.

Washington was also relatively unschooled. He had the modern equivalent of a grade school education and came into his wealth largely from marriage. By contrast, other founding fathers were famously well-educated and patrician, and for the rest of his life, Washington bore the seeds of resentment. Indeed, it is difficult to tell how much of his anger toward Britain stemmed from this inferiority complex, but it is obvious he passionately resented British airs, even as Washington himself (certainly more than the other founding fathers) approached an imperial bearing.

One of the most timely lessons to be gained from studying Washington is his approach to both human nature and foreign policy. He stated: "It is a maxim founded on the universal experience of mankind, that no nation is to be trusted farther than it is bound by its interest; and no prudent statesman or politician will venture to depart from it." Nations, he claimed, were driven by interests, and not ideals. Obviously, how and where the two intersect is a sometimes messy affair, but at the very least, our current President's idea of nation and democracy building abroad violates this principle. Our ideals may demand a democratically elected Iraqi government, but our interests may not. As is often noted, it is in our nation's best interests that the ideal of democracy is violated in Middle Eastern countries where relatively moderate regimes would be far more radical if replaced by the will of the people.

Realism was a defining characteristic of Washington; indeed, Ellis claims that his genius was his judgment, and that keen judgment extended to his view of mankind. Jefferson and many leaders of the revolution so distrusted government that had they assumed the Presidency, this nation would surely have failed from weakness and political anarchy. Yet, Washington noted "mankind left to themselves are unfit for their own government" and therefore advocated a more powerful role for the central government. It took all of his considerable popularity and all of the Providence in the universe to forge a viable government out of the chaotic mess that was the colonies. But in the end, the United States became the United States, and for that, we and the rest of the world may be eternally grateful.

A book about a hero but not for hero-worshippers........2007-07-03

I'm disappointed that some readers felt the author was too critical of Washington. I think Ellis made an honest effort to understand Washington, and I don't see how he was motivated by modern politics.

Washington was a great man but he wasn't Christ. Hero-worshippers should stick to books about chopping down cherry trees and throwing dollars across the Potomac.

A tough man to get to know............2007-06-21

......and that's the way he wanted it. Probably no man in history has had so many biographies; we still have a tough time seeing Washington as a real living person. Washington was a quiet, reserved man who kept his feelings to himself. Paridoxically, he is difficult to fathom for exactly the opposite reason Thomas Jefferson is....Tom laid everything out in the open, but it was self contradictory, and stated in his own terms, the definition of those terms known but to himself.

This is a very good, basic, starter volume on George Washington. The family, especially his older half brother Lawrence, are all here. His mother, Mary Ball Washington, is barely mentioned. Just as well; though George got his strength of character, and his great riding ability, from her, she was a real "Mommie Dearest". Their relationship ranged from non-existant to worse right up to her death early in his Presidency. Washington had to make his own way from his mid teens on, and we all know the result. Surveyor, land investor, soldier; he did it all well. We get a good view of his campaigns in the French and Indian Wars, and, of course, the Revolution. This was a man who simply refused to lose. He seemed to realize that if he never "lost", he would eventually win. Oh, he lost battles, but he never lost his Army, or the will to fight another day. We don't realize how close a thing it was in '76.

George Washington's political career may, or may not, have been reluctantly entered upon. He had to invent a job, and help invent a country. [I think that Jefferson really invented America, but that's another topic]. It wasn't all roses. The most revered man on earth had second term problems that make those of our present day George seem mild.

Joseph Ellis has produced an excellent "short version" of our country's "Father". The high points are all here, the motivations and side angles are well covered, and the massively strong character of the man comes thru. Oh, he had faults; he liked pretty ladies, though, as with everything else, he kept within limits. Overly ambitious, he was ambitious for the good of all. He wasn't much of a son, but he didn't have much of a mother. By the way, GEORGE WASHINGTON DID NOT HAVE WOODEN TEETH!!! He did hate slavery, yet owned slaves. Others did, too; at least Washington was bothered by it. Nothing bothered Jefferson.

If you only want to read one book on George Washington, this is an excellent choice. True also of Willard Sterne Randall, Richard Harwell's abridgement of Douglas Southall Freeman, or Flexner's one volume abridgement of his own four volumes. If you have plenty of money for books, a LOT of time, and the desire to know everything, Freeman's seven volumes are definitive. I'll mention one more: Chief Justice John Marshall had access to Washington's papers, and wrote a multi volume set that he revised numerous times over his last 30+ years. We can argue about "definitive edition" and number of volumes. Two years before he died, he did a final one volume version; that book is in print, and can be had for about $14 at the John Marshall House in Richmond. The folks there say that they sell a lot; I suspect I'm one of the few who actually read it. The writing style is different from what we're used to, but if you've already read 2 or 3 other bios of Washington, try it. Don't read it as a first book. Overall, Ellis gets my very high recommendation.

Jeffrey B. Genitempo.......2007-06-19

His book starts out with a British allance on the far western bourders of the western most colonies. I don't know if it exsist more detail of Washingtons army plans but this was touch over with a brush stroke. I belive the reader would want to know the hows in detail. Not in this book.
If this all we can munster up then it was a waste.
Some well crafted prose do exsist especially with other founding fathers.
The second disappointment came when Washington is in office for 8 years as president and his voting record was not even address. It seems the book needed 2 more chapters to address the issues like we probe in modern days. Washingtons battle strategies and his presintial record.
Get the book, read the book its worth reading but please don't make the auther a hero without leaving out prose like had mention

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The World of Columus and Sons vs. George Washington's World
Learn to love history!

George Washington's World
Genevieve Foster , and Joanna Foster
Manufacturer: Beautiful Feet Bks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 096438034X

Book Description

George Washington's World

The period measured by the life of George Washington—1732 to 1799 —was one of revolution and change in many parts of the world as Enlightenment thinking took hold in the minds of men. When George was a young man, Benjamin Franklin was the most well-known American, Louis XV was on the throne of France, and George II was king of England. Father Junipero Serra had just arrived in Mexico to work with the Panes Indians. Mozart and Bach were writing their immortal music and Voltaire warred with his pen against Ignorance, Injustice and Superstition. The young nobleman Lafayette watched the feisty American colonies with fascinated interest as they stood up to Mother England when she sought to tax them unfairly. James Cook was sent by the Royal Society of London to Tahiti where their team of astronomers might observe a total eclipse of the sun and thereby accurately measure the distance between the earth and the sun. These are just a few of the wonderful narratives explored by Foster in her Newbery Honor Book of 1940. Prolifically illustrated with intriguing line drawings and detailed timelines, Foster's telling of the life story of George Washington does justice to the man it celebrates. 355pg

Customer Reviews:

The World of Columus and Sons vs. George Washington's World.......2005-11-28

The World Of Columbus and Sons was the first Foster book I've read. I really thought it interesting. George Washington's World is a much better book than The World Of Columus and Sons. Why? I can't explain. I'm not so intersted in Columbus as I am with Washington. Now, this book is really helping me (George Washington's World) since I'm in a middle of doing a research report on Martha Washington, George Washington's wife. George Washington's World talks quite a bit about Martha Washington so that really helps me.

Learn to love history!.......1998-11-30

I must admit, when I was growing up, I hated American history above all else. In comparison with British history or world history, it seemed so boring...all facts and no fun. Well, this book will make you enjoy eating your cultural veggies. First of all, the authors took the trouble to include the trivial details about the "players" that make them human and interesting. Also, because of Ms. Foster's unique panoramic approach to history, you are better able to understand the environment that made our heroes and villians what they became. Although this book is considered a children's book, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone over the age of 10 or so. The text will certainly not bore you, I promise!

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

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Carver is rightous

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

George Washington Carver: His Life & Faith in His Own Words
George Washington Carver: In His Own Words

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

United States Presidents:

United States Presidents

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