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The Real George Washington
This is the best-selling classic regularly featured by Glenn Beck to Fox TV viewers! The Real George Washington: The True Story of America s Most Indispensable Man. There is properly no history; only biography, wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. If that is true of the general run of mankind, it is particularly true of George Washington. The story of his life is the story of the founding of America. His was the dominant personality in three of the most critical events in that founding: the Revolutionary War, the Constitutional Convention, and the first national administration. Had he not served as America's leader in those three events, all would likely have failed -- and America, as we know it today, would not exist. Why, after two centuries, does George Washington remain one of the most beloved figures in our history? The Real George Washington answers that question by giving us a close look at this man who became the father of our country and the first American President. But rather than focus on the interpretations of historians, much of his exciting story is told in his own words. The second part of this 928-page book brings together the most important and insightful passages from Washington's writings, conveniently arranged by subject. Published by the National Center for Constitutional Studies, a nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to restoring Constitutional principles in the tradition of America's Founding Fathers. The National Center for Constitutional Studies...is doing a fine public service in educating Americans about the principles of the Constitution. -- Ronald Reagan, President of the United States
928 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 4, 2022
“When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was manifested in guiding us through the revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government, and in conciliating the good will of the people of America towards one another after its adoption, I feel myself … almost overwhelmed with a sense of the divine munificence. I feel that nothing is due to my personal agency in all these complicated and wonderful events, except what can simply be attributed to the exertions of an honest zeal for the good of my country.” - George Washington to the mayor, recorder, alderman, and common council of Philadelphia in 1789
Those words perfectly encapsulate the way George Washington viewed his extraordinary life of service to his country. He always saw the hand of “Providence,” the word Washington commonly used to refer to God, in the events that led to American independence, the formation and ratification of the American Constitution, and the successful start of America’s republican model of government in a world ruled by kings. Despite his humility in minimizing his indispensable role in these events, Washington sacrificed more and was more responsible than any single person for the birth and development of the United States as an independent nation. He would have been happy to live a quiet life as a farmer on his beloved Mount Vernon plantation, but whenever his country needed him, he answered the call. As Washington said during his first inaugural address in 1789, “I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” From his role as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, president of the Constitutional Convention, and the first President of the United States, Washington dedicated the prime of his life to serving America and he rightfully holds the title, “Father of His Country.” Thomas Jefferson put it well when he said of Washington, “it may truly be said that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance." As Henry Lee famously summed up Washington’s legacy, he was, “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
There are many great books and biographies that capture the greatness of George Washington. "The Real George Washington" is among them. Divided into two parts, the first a roughly 625-page biography and the second 202 pages of revealing passages from Washington’s writings, this is an insightful work that serves as a great resource for any reader trying to understand who Washington was at heart. The team of authors and editors, Jay A. Perry, Andrew M. Allison, and W. Cleon Skousen, really let Washington’s words speak for themselves across both sections. The emphasis on using Washington’s own words to tell his story especially makes reading the bio, which is also superbly organized, a very enjoyable experience.
Those words perfectly encapsulate the way George Washington viewed his extraordinary life of service to his country. He always saw the hand of “Providence,” the word Washington commonly used to refer to God, in the events that led to American independence, the formation and ratification of the American Constitution, and the successful start of America’s republican model of government in a world ruled by kings. Despite his humility in minimizing his indispensable role in these events, Washington sacrificed more and was more responsible than any single person for the birth and development of the United States as an independent nation. He would have been happy to live a quiet life as a farmer on his beloved Mount Vernon plantation, but whenever his country needed him, he answered the call. As Washington said during his first inaugural address in 1789, “I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” From his role as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, president of the Constitutional Convention, and the first President of the United States, Washington dedicated the prime of his life to serving America and he rightfully holds the title, “Father of His Country.” Thomas Jefferson put it well when he said of Washington, “it may truly be said that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance." As Henry Lee famously summed up Washington’s legacy, he was, “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
There are many great books and biographies that capture the greatness of George Washington. "The Real George Washington" is among them. Divided into two parts, the first a roughly 625-page biography and the second 202 pages of revealing passages from Washington’s writings, this is an insightful work that serves as a great resource for any reader trying to understand who Washington was at heart. The team of authors and editors, Jay A. Perry, Andrew M. Allison, and W. Cleon Skousen, really let Washington’s words speak for themselves across both sections. The emphasis on using Washington’s own words to tell his story especially makes reading the bio, which is also superbly organized, a very enjoyable experience.
November 19, 2008
This book is very informative and interesting to read. It is a little slow to read, especially considering about 350 of the 650 pages are about the Revolutionary War. This book uses mostly information and excerpts from actual letters that GW wrote, so I felt I really got to understand who he really was.
After reading this book I realize that it is a miracle that we won the Revolutionary War and the Constitution was established. I also realize that George Washington was the perfect man for the job of first President and Commander in Cheif of our first army. His great desire to be free of tyrants and that determination helped him guide our forces to victory in the Rev. War. He was a virtuous and honest man. As a President he didn't take sides very easily, but tried to find compromises to do what is best for everyone. I think my favorite thought from him in the book is: "My first wish is...to see the whole world in peace, and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers, striving who should contribute most to the happiness of mankind."
After reading this book I realize that it is a miracle that we won the Revolutionary War and the Constitution was established. I also realize that George Washington was the perfect man for the job of first President and Commander in Cheif of our first army. His great desire to be free of tyrants and that determination helped him guide our forces to victory in the Rev. War. He was a virtuous and honest man. As a President he didn't take sides very easily, but tried to find compromises to do what is best for everyone. I think my favorite thought from him in the book is: "My first wish is...to see the whole world in peace, and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers, striving who should contribute most to the happiness of mankind."
October 2, 2012
In- depth look at the man who lead our country in battle to secure our freedom and then provided a steady hand in establishing a United States. Written mainly through GW's own words through correspondence, we get a feel for the man whom others felt ( as well as he) was divinely appointed to lead our country at that specific time. He felt many times that he was being guided by " the hand of Providence" and encouraged his armies to attend church services to pray for strength, guidance, and give thanks for their blessings. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was honest and upright in dealings with his fellow man.
January 2, 2010
I give this book four stars because of subject matter. I mean, George Washington rocks and I love learning about him.
However, the structure of the book was lacking (I'd give it three stars) and again I felt as if I was reading excerpts and summary instead of an in depth biography. To be fair, how much can I expect in only 600 pages? So while this opened up the character of Washington to me, I now plan on reading another of his biographers in hopes of fleshing him out more.
However, the structure of the book was lacking (I'd give it three stars) and again I felt as if I was reading excerpts and summary instead of an in depth biography. To be fair, how much can I expect in only 600 pages? So while this opened up the character of Washington to me, I now plan on reading another of his biographers in hopes of fleshing him out more.
November 24, 2022
Excellent account of 'America's most indispensable man'. The selected personal writings of Washington, notes and bibliography are extensive. The three volume series, with Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were all well written and extremely informative.
June 25, 2017
This book gave me a greater appreciation for the brave men who fought for our country's independence, and for our founding fathers. George Washington gave so much of his life, and of himself to lead our country. His dedication to God, his marriage, and our country was inspiring.
January 27, 2024
What can be said? I loved reading about this incredible man and was brought to tears more than once. He was absolutely guided by the hand of God to help establish this free nation. No one can convince me that he is not one of the greatest men to have ever been born.
January 10, 2019
It was interesting to know who is he. He is well being general and president himself .
June 27, 2009
Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Biography is not a genre I frequently read, but Burke, Beck and a love of liberty have encouraged me to revisit our founding fathers and the history of the American experiment. Today, it's popular to be a historical revisionist; these voyeurs often delight in "digging for dirty refuse in the rubble of history." The Real George Washington does not "analyze and dissect the man until nothing remains but faulty interpretations." They have told his story and the story of the founding of America (they are inextricably intertwined) in "simple terms, allowing him the privilege of presenting himself throughout." Part 1 of The Real George Washington consists of the biography. Part 2 contains selected quotations from Washington's writings and speeches. "Together they provide a more meaningful and more complete portrait of George Washington." Jay A. Parry writes the preface to this volume and states, "The citizen of today who turns to the Founders' writings is often surprised by their timeless relevance--and reminded that the self-evident truths which made us the freest and most prosperous country on earth can, with renewed attention, be put back to work again."
November 11, 2010
i LOVED this book. I have a much deeper sense of gratituted and appriciation for the American militamen who fought for our Liberty. I also have a greater understanding of the commitment, love, and passion George Washington had and for his life mission, dedication to God and Country. He is right up in the ranks with Joan of ARc for me. I see a great parallel between the two. Both lead poor country's with tiny army's to win a great battle against the Tyrannical England for freedom and Liberty. For France the kingdom was restored to the rightful Heir- King Charles the VII in July 1429. For the America, George Washington lead his ragmuffin militia to a victorious battle against England for liberty and freedom. I now have two favorite hero's.
I highly recommend this book.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is a little amusing and actually comes from Martha Washington. When asked, "how are you" she would reply, "I am a Virginian, Steady as a Clock, Busy as a Bee, and Happy as a Cricket". I just loved this. It made me smile because i feel exactly the same.
I highly recommend this book.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is a little amusing and actually comes from Martha Washington. When asked, "how are you" she would reply, "I am a Virginian, Steady as a Clock, Busy as a Bee, and Happy as a Cricket". I just loved this. It made me smile because i feel exactly the same.
May 21, 2009
Debated between a 4 and 5....For a biography it is a 5. Very well researched. I especially love the whole quote section at the end. And I'm glad I bought the book. Why a 4---biographies aren't my fastest read... I have to set it down occasionally--but this one I found myself wanting to read "one more chapter".
But Wow! George Washington is an amazing man. I did visit Mount Vernon last week...and would have loved more of that stuff in this book too...but then think how much of his life he wished he could have spent there but went to serve the country instead...
But Wow! George Washington is an amazing man. I did visit Mount Vernon last week...and would have loved more of that stuff in this book too...but then think how much of his life he wished he could have spent there but went to serve the country instead...
August 6, 2011
In a word - wow! At first I was a bit scared of this book because of how thick it is and because I assumed the subject material would be a bit dry. Boy was I wrong! This book reads like a novel and is very hard to put down. I now have a handful of new heros that are worth emulation: Washington, Nathaniel Green, Lafayette. This book is pure gold - I would highly recommend it as a fantastic way to learn more about America, the revolutionary war, the creation of the constitution and of course about George Washington, the man that without whom, America could have never been born.
January 23, 2017
This book was really a great overview of George Washington. I'm so glad I read it! I bogged down a bit during the War (about 350 pages). This part was very factual, but quite dry. It is definitely a worthwhile read.
March 13, 2012
George Washington, American Hero. Want to know who he was, what he did, how he thought, what inspired how and what he sacrified for the birth of this nation? Here is your answer
May 6, 2009
Very Inspirational, i absolutely loved it.
December 16, 2022
True manhood is under attack. Arch progressive forces in this country seek to destroy traditional masculinity and replace it with some watered down, emasculated version. These people seek to redefine both sexes in such a way as men are nothing more than vassals to the girl boss, princess tiara wearing goddesses of today. What is needed is a countermeasure.
One of the means to reassert the traditional role of men in society is to look back and examine the lives of those men who have positively affected the lives of those around them. This is not a defense of the macho, grossly dominant man; this is a defense of the man as provider, protector, and benefactor for those around him.
While George Washington was born into riches, he did not have the best start from those circumstances. His father dies at 11 and he inherits a farm and ten slaves. He was not the product of the formal schooling that his older siblings had in England. In his late teens, he became a surveyor and before long was a member of the Virginia militia. He served as an envoy and as an officer, where he was shot at multiple times in the battle that claimed the life of his commanding officer.
After the French & Indian War, Washington resumed his life as a gentlemen farmer. By 1776, he would fulfill his greatest calling; Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army. The army was continually short of men, money, and supplies. Through it all, Washington politely, if not earnestly, lobbied the Continental Congress for more of...well, everything. He wintered in the same terrible cold and snow as his men. He spent much of what free time he had in prayer, and always gave glory to God for any and all success the army had.
After the war, he sought to retire again, but was called upon to lead the fight for the new constitution, and then to become the first president. He served admirably, careful not to do anything which would set a terrible precedent for future presidents as he feared such actions could end up to the new country's detriment.
What the authors provide here is nothing less than what genuine manhood looks like. Washington was a hard worker, a respected member of his community, intellectually curious, and provider for his family. While he and his wife Martha had no children of their own, he cared for his step-children and later their children as if they were his own. Even after the presidency, he continued to receive visitors at Mount Vernon and spend time with him. Any veterans who came to the farm were always given a hot meal or money as needed, despite being in debt.
What the life of George Washington provides is an example of a life lived in faith in service to others. He was not some milquetoast; he was a strong and confident man who relied on his God to provide and guide his life. This is the kind of manhood that is severely lacking in this world. George Washington is the example more of my fellow men need to follow.
BOTTOM LINE: A literal road map to real manhood.
One of the means to reassert the traditional role of men in society is to look back and examine the lives of those men who have positively affected the lives of those around them. This is not a defense of the macho, grossly dominant man; this is a defense of the man as provider, protector, and benefactor for those around him.
While George Washington was born into riches, he did not have the best start from those circumstances. His father dies at 11 and he inherits a farm and ten slaves. He was not the product of the formal schooling that his older siblings had in England. In his late teens, he became a surveyor and before long was a member of the Virginia militia. He served as an envoy and as an officer, where he was shot at multiple times in the battle that claimed the life of his commanding officer.
After the French & Indian War, Washington resumed his life as a gentlemen farmer. By 1776, he would fulfill his greatest calling; Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army. The army was continually short of men, money, and supplies. Through it all, Washington politely, if not earnestly, lobbied the Continental Congress for more of...well, everything. He wintered in the same terrible cold and snow as his men. He spent much of what free time he had in prayer, and always gave glory to God for any and all success the army had.
After the war, he sought to retire again, but was called upon to lead the fight for the new constitution, and then to become the first president. He served admirably, careful not to do anything which would set a terrible precedent for future presidents as he feared such actions could end up to the new country's detriment.
What the authors provide here is nothing less than what genuine manhood looks like. Washington was a hard worker, a respected member of his community, intellectually curious, and provider for his family. While he and his wife Martha had no children of their own, he cared for his step-children and later their children as if they were his own. Even after the presidency, he continued to receive visitors at Mount Vernon and spend time with him. Any veterans who came to the farm were always given a hot meal or money as needed, despite being in debt.
What the life of George Washington provides is an example of a life lived in faith in service to others. He was not some milquetoast; he was a strong and confident man who relied on his God to provide and guide his life. This is the kind of manhood that is severely lacking in this world. George Washington is the example more of my fellow men need to follow.
BOTTOM LINE: A literal road map to real manhood.
February 1, 2020
This book is a long read, it took me about a month to finish. It is fascinating how many times Washington should have died but didn't, such as when there were Native Americans aiming their guns at him and their guns just didn't work. I love how George Washington wished to live a quiet life at home, but when the people called, he answered and gave up his dreams. I find it interesting how, even through the most respected man in America opposed political parties, they still sprang up and have continued to this day. Most Americans just know about the part of Washington commanding the rebel army in the revolutionary war and being the president, but this book tells the whole story, including his failed command in the French and Indian war and his surveying expedition as a teen. This book doesn't just tell the story of George Washington, it tells much of the story of the revolutionary war, including Henry Knox fetching cannon from fort Ticonderoga. This is the kind of book I keep in my bookshelf and read sections of whenever I want information about something. This is the perfect book if you are trying to write a paper on George Washington.
April 14, 2019
I read this book because I had to read a non-fiction book for school. I also wanted to learn more about history so this book was a win, win. This book is a little bit slow to read because the first 650 pages are about the revolutionary war. My favorite parts of this book are the actual letters that George Washington wrote. I would not recommend this book to any one that dose not love history. Reading this book has shown me how lucky it was that we won the revolutionary war. This book is very good to read and has lots of info, but it is a nightmare to read. I liked this book because it has bettered my understanding of both George Washington and the revolutionary war.
June 24, 2020
You will meet the true George Washington, not a revisionist version of this great man. What he sacrificed for us and gave up for us so as to succeed against tyranny and help establish the USA. Much of the book is Washington’s own writings. True history and very refreshing to read especially in these divisive times for the. USA.
August 9, 2019
Wow. A lot of pages, and took my time reading. Stopping to read other things. Everything I knew about George was in this one, and hundreds of things I didn't know. Plenty more to learn if I can find the time to expand on this one. I never thought about his 8 years as President before.
July 28, 2018
Well written, amazing story of George Washington. Although it’s filled with facts and information, it is not boring! I really loved this book.
September 19, 2018
Such a good man. What a shame he died of a sore throat. People don't die of trifling colds? Piffle.
March 30, 2020
I liked it.
September 3, 2020
George Washington sacrificed much for the better of us all. Great read. Great man.
December 9, 2020
Oh I wish that we could have elected officials with the same character, integrity , Faith in god and loyalty to America as George Washington
October 13, 2021
Thank God for this man!
Read
December 30, 2021It was a long read but very rewarding.
Read
February 15, 2022An excellent book on George Washington. If you want to know what this man was really like and how he felt about America this is a must read.
January 3, 2024
I loved this easy-to-understand treatment of George Washington, told to a large extent in his own words.
March 14, 2017
There are a host of books about George Washington and his life during the Revolutionary War. This is a good one. Disclosure, there is a section of the book which I have not finished yet. I can only read historical novels for a certain length of time and need a rest with some other good reads. I will get back to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews