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George Washington: Gentleman Warrior
George Washington is a vivid recounting of the formative years and military career of "The Father of his Country," following his journey from brutal border skirmishes with the French and their Native American allies to his remarkable victory over the British Empire, an achievement that underpinned his selection as the first president of the United States of America. The book focuses on a side of Washington that is often overlooked: the feisty young frontier officer and the early career of the tough forty-something commander of the revolutionaries' ragtag Continental Army.
Award-winning historian Stephen Brumwell shows how, ironically, Washington's reliance upon English models of "gentlemanly" conduct, and on British military organization, was crucial in establishing his leadership of the fledgling Continental Army, and in forging it into the weapon that secured American independence. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including original archival research, Brumwell brings a fresh new perspective on this extraordinary individual, whose fusion of gentleman and warrior left an indelible imprint on history.
Award-winning historian Stephen Brumwell shows how, ironically, Washington's reliance upon English models of "gentlemanly" conduct, and on British military organization, was crucial in establishing his leadership of the fledgling Continental Army, and in forging it into the weapon that secured American independence. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including original archival research, Brumwell brings a fresh new perspective on this extraordinary individual, whose fusion of gentleman and warrior left an indelible imprint on history.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
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304 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Brumwell
10 books22 followersStephen Brumwell is an award-winning writer and historian with a specialist interest in eighteenth-century Britain and North America.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 3, 2016
I think Edward Lengel’s General George Washington: A Military Life remains the best study of Washington’s military career. Brumwell’s newer work, however, is just as engaging, readable and well-researched.
Brumwell gives us a vivid, evenhanded portrait of an ambitious and gentlemanly military man. It is also an effective portrait of Washington as an English gentleman. The book is in-depth and lengthy, but certainly worth reading. Brumwell’s writing is vivid and gives the reader a great sense of how events unfolded.
Upon examination, Washington wasn’t exactly one of history’s “great generals.” His first exploits as a military man in the French and Indian war did not reflect well on Washington’s character or ability. He suffered mostly defeats, lashed out at his critics and blamed his men for his own mistakes. He also engaged in schemes and intrigues designed to further his postwar financial interests following the capture of the Ohio territory from the French. Whatever his other faults, however, Washington could hardly be accused of cowardice. He was remarkably cool under fire, and could adapt and inspire in battle.
Following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, Washington did not show much interest in the developments that would strain the colonies’ relations with England. He refrained from heated rhetoric and remained aloof, being at the time more concerned with overseeing Mount Vernon’s expansion. When war broke out, Washington doubted his own ability to lead the army to victory. He had no practical training in field command, and his record as a tactician was unremarkable. His strategic ability, however was much better.
Washington took the prejudices of the Virginia planter class with him to war. He considered New Englanders to be idiots and scum (“exceedingly dirty & nasty”) and viewed them as the source of problems. As an upper-class Virginian officer, Washington was used to troops showing unquestioning obedience and deference. New England officers tended to try to win their troops’ loyalty and affection, an effort that Washington scorned.
As the popular mythology of the Revolution would have it, the Continental Army was composed of heroic, selfless “citizen-soldiers”: land-owning citizens that took up their duty. In reality, the longest-serving soldiers of the army were drifters and outcasts with little real stake in society. Many soldiers deserted their regiments and re-enlisted in others for an extra helping of bounty money. Contrary to Revolutionary propaganda, British soldiers were not unwilling conscripts: many were skilled craftsmen who believed in their cause.
As a military man and a product of the time, Washington was fiercely defensive about his own reputation as a soldier, even though his reputation wasn’t all that good. We also see the flaws of a man whom we assume to have none: his political intrigues, for example, or his love affair with Sally Fairfax, which occurred while he was about to marry Martha Custis, even though Sally’s husband was a personal friend of Washington’s. Following the French and Indian War, Washington renewed his claims to bounty lands won in the war, distributing lands to veterans he had served with but keeping the best for himself.
Brumwell writes that “Washington never lost faith in the kind of professional standing army that had been crucial to achieving American independence, but which remained anathema to many of his countrymen.” This is debatable. I don’t think Washington ever succeeded in creating a genuine professional army.
There’s nothing groundbreaking here, especially if you’ve already read Lengel’s book, but I enjoyed nonetheless. Still, it could have used some more maps, or at least more context-specific ones.
Brumwell gives us a vivid, evenhanded portrait of an ambitious and gentlemanly military man. It is also an effective portrait of Washington as an English gentleman. The book is in-depth and lengthy, but certainly worth reading. Brumwell’s writing is vivid and gives the reader a great sense of how events unfolded.
Upon examination, Washington wasn’t exactly one of history’s “great generals.” His first exploits as a military man in the French and Indian war did not reflect well on Washington’s character or ability. He suffered mostly defeats, lashed out at his critics and blamed his men for his own mistakes. He also engaged in schemes and intrigues designed to further his postwar financial interests following the capture of the Ohio territory from the French. Whatever his other faults, however, Washington could hardly be accused of cowardice. He was remarkably cool under fire, and could adapt and inspire in battle.
Following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, Washington did not show much interest in the developments that would strain the colonies’ relations with England. He refrained from heated rhetoric and remained aloof, being at the time more concerned with overseeing Mount Vernon’s expansion. When war broke out, Washington doubted his own ability to lead the army to victory. He had no practical training in field command, and his record as a tactician was unremarkable. His strategic ability, however was much better.
Washington took the prejudices of the Virginia planter class with him to war. He considered New Englanders to be idiots and scum (“exceedingly dirty & nasty”) and viewed them as the source of problems. As an upper-class Virginian officer, Washington was used to troops showing unquestioning obedience and deference. New England officers tended to try to win their troops’ loyalty and affection, an effort that Washington scorned.
As the popular mythology of the Revolution would have it, the Continental Army was composed of heroic, selfless “citizen-soldiers”: land-owning citizens that took up their duty. In reality, the longest-serving soldiers of the army were drifters and outcasts with little real stake in society. Many soldiers deserted their regiments and re-enlisted in others for an extra helping of bounty money. Contrary to Revolutionary propaganda, British soldiers were not unwilling conscripts: many were skilled craftsmen who believed in their cause.
As a military man and a product of the time, Washington was fiercely defensive about his own reputation as a soldier, even though his reputation wasn’t all that good. We also see the flaws of a man whom we assume to have none: his political intrigues, for example, or his love affair with Sally Fairfax, which occurred while he was about to marry Martha Custis, even though Sally’s husband was a personal friend of Washington’s. Following the French and Indian War, Washington renewed his claims to bounty lands won in the war, distributing lands to veterans he had served with but keeping the best for himself.
Brumwell writes that “Washington never lost faith in the kind of professional standing army that had been crucial to achieving American independence, but which remained anathema to many of his countrymen.” This is debatable. I don’t think Washington ever succeeded in creating a genuine professional army.
There’s nothing groundbreaking here, especially if you’ve already read Lengel’s book, but I enjoyed nonetheless. Still, it could have used some more maps, or at least more context-specific ones.
May 12, 2014
Historians have already written reams in reviews about this book. Obviously, I cannot add to their thoughts.
I can share with you, however, what I most appreciated about this prestigious George Washington Book Prize winner.
First, Stephen Brumwell, the British author, shows us how Washington matures as a leader and as a person. The Washington who becomes “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen” certainly did not “hatch fully formed” as such, but clearly develops his skills over decades. At the very beginning of what became the French and Indian War, we see a very young Washington with many flaws in his decision-making. He must consciously work to eliminate these errors of judgment in order to achieve success. Improve he does, through painful practice and even more painful battle experiences. Washington makes mistakes. He is overly-ambitious. He fails to achieve goals he desires. Gradually, however, through a mixture of experience, study, self-discipline, and risk-taking (and also generous doses of practice, discipline, example, and even corporal punishment for his soldiers), he creates an extremely effective fighting force by the end of the Revolutionary War. Washington earns his accolades as a leader through grim determination and exceptionally hard work.
The “warrior” George Washington is detailed and explained at great length, yet the “gentleman” balances both Washington himself and Brumwell’s book. All officers must be gentlemen, says and shows Washington, in the truest and most demanding 18th century model. Washington’s honesty and honor are impeccable in his interactions with his peers, and his great care of his soldiers is both magnanimous and touching. He always wants the best and most for his men, and again and again assails Congress through letter after letter, traveling whenever possible to demand in (his impressive) person material goods and decent pay for his army. Brumwell’s focus on facts and opinions of Washington as a gentleman add a depth and excellence to Washington the warrior that is necessary for the great leader George Washington to emerge.
Reading this book made me marvel yet again how blessed America was to have all facets of George Washington shape our nation.
I can share with you, however, what I most appreciated about this prestigious George Washington Book Prize winner.
First, Stephen Brumwell, the British author, shows us how Washington matures as a leader and as a person. The Washington who becomes “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen” certainly did not “hatch fully formed” as such, but clearly develops his skills over decades. At the very beginning of what became the French and Indian War, we see a very young Washington with many flaws in his decision-making. He must consciously work to eliminate these errors of judgment in order to achieve success. Improve he does, through painful practice and even more painful battle experiences. Washington makes mistakes. He is overly-ambitious. He fails to achieve goals he desires. Gradually, however, through a mixture of experience, study, self-discipline, and risk-taking (and also generous doses of practice, discipline, example, and even corporal punishment for his soldiers), he creates an extremely effective fighting force by the end of the Revolutionary War. Washington earns his accolades as a leader through grim determination and exceptionally hard work.
The “warrior” George Washington is detailed and explained at great length, yet the “gentleman” balances both Washington himself and Brumwell’s book. All officers must be gentlemen, says and shows Washington, in the truest and most demanding 18th century model. Washington’s honesty and honor are impeccable in his interactions with his peers, and his great care of his soldiers is both magnanimous and touching. He always wants the best and most for his men, and again and again assails Congress through letter after letter, traveling whenever possible to demand in (his impressive) person material goods and decent pay for his army. Brumwell’s focus on facts and opinions of Washington as a gentleman add a depth and excellence to Washington the warrior that is necessary for the great leader George Washington to emerge.
Reading this book made me marvel yet again how blessed America was to have all facets of George Washington shape our nation.
June 12, 2020
A sympathetic depiction of Washington the man rather than the image or the figurehead. Especially good on both his formative experiences in the French & Indian wars & on the huge difficulties faced in even maintaining, let alone operating an army in circumstances where such a body was regarded with suspicion & subject to short-term enlistment.
September 13, 2024
George Washington: Gentleman Warrior provides a nice synopsis of George Washington's evolution as a military commander. Historian Stephen Brumwell zeroes in on his subject matter with an admirable focus, resisting the urge to chase subplots in the service of sticking strictly to the topic at hand.
And that focus is on the soldier Washington, with bits of his land speculations in the Ohio Country and function as a glue holding the colonies together in a tenuous situation during the 1770s-80s mentioned when appropriate.
The book shows him to have been a relentless advocate for his men, not only leading by example at Valley Forge but also making the case to the Continental Congress on behalf of his often underfunded army.
The story finds its stride with Washington serving as a colonel in the French and Indian War (1756-1763). This section hits on the points readers would expect to find from that war, talking about his relationship with British General Edward Braddock and analyzing wilderness campaigns-sometimes successful, sometimes not-against forts like Duquesne and Necessity.
'Conotacarius' was the nickname he was given by Indians during his time fighting in the French and Indian War. This meant 'Town Destroyer' and underscored the fear many Native Americans held toward Washington that time period.
There were several elements of Washington's character and leadership that stand out.
First was his willingness to go against the grain by pushing for a Continental, professional army. The contemporary suspicion of standing armies and favorable view toward militias did not hold sway with Washington; he held professional soldierly in high esteem and, thanks to experiences in the French and Indian War, was not crazy about militia organizations.
And Washington-in a preview of coming attractions when it came to his support for the Federalists-was also in favor of more coordination and centralization in the fledgling Revolutionary era government. Brumwell does a nice job explaining how he viewed the petty rivalries and jealousies between colonies/states as extremely detrimental toward victory over the British. This experience led him to favor a stronger, albeit still limited, central government authority.
he suspicion with which a lot of authority was viewed-an outgrowth itself of the Revolution-created a difficult to manage situation for the administrator a brand new army. The tension between professional and militia soldiers was also a source of friction, but George Washington: Gentleman Warrior demonstrates how the general from Virginia frequently defused this potential timebomb.
Although he did credit administrators like Quartermaster Nathanael Greene, he nevertheless was often frustrated with how poorly supplied and equipped (not to mention poorly paid) his troops often were.
Washington also pushed for stricter punishments for violations of the military code. While many Americans had viewed the British as sadistically harsh toward their own recalcitrant soldiers, General Washington leaned into this as the best method for creating an effective fighting force. Despite this, he was held in high esteem by the men serving underneath him.
There are a lot of guest appearances by supporting actors throughout George Washington: Gentleman Warrior.
Charles Lee makes often quirky stints in the narrative, and the Marquis de Lafayette's services rendered and great relationship with Washington are analyzed. Jean-Baptiste, comte de Rochambeau is another Frenchman whose services for the Revolutionary cause end up proving invaluable to Washington.
The scheming between John Andre and Benedict Arnold, as well as the fallout when it was exposed, really made for some great reading. Brumwell really did nice work telling the story of the Arnold treason at West Point, and he does an equally good job with the Trenton and Princeton attacks in late 1777 and early 1778.
Baron von Steuben's efforts to whip the Continental Army into a better fighting force are also looked at, and one of the most interesting sections of all was Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy. The question of civilian versus military control of the government was not a set matter in America's pre-Constitution day, and Washington's willingness to be a mediator and vouch for civilian control over the military during that crisis was a critical early precedent.
His Virginia connections were crucial in his appointment as top general. The New England states-as well as New York-wanted the Southern colonies to feel that the anti-British Revolutionary effort was as much as their fight as it was their own.
Therefore having a Virginian southern colony plantation owner leading the fight further created glue to bind all of the thirteen colonies together. Thanks to this, sectionalism would largely be minimized during the Revolutionary War.
Washington's growth as a commander is revealed as the story unfolds. He comes to realize that the British, while superior in manpower, sea power, and firepower, would struggle to win a protracted war in America. Because of this, Washington-after several early failure early on in the Revolutionary War in New York-swallows much of his aggressiveness and opts for more of a pick-your-moments type of fight which ultimately results in victory.
This book does not unveil a lot that readers of this era will not already know.
But it does tell a nice story of a general who grew into his role and handled an extremely difficult situation with impressive poise.
It is a B+ effort, with a believable portrait produced of George Washington's time as a solder serving a patriotic cause. Readers will not finish it blown away with product, but neither will they come away disappointed with the more in-depth understanding they will have regarding Washington's tactics and leadership skills while heading up the Continental Army.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
And that focus is on the soldier Washington, with bits of his land speculations in the Ohio Country and function as a glue holding the colonies together in a tenuous situation during the 1770s-80s mentioned when appropriate.
The book shows him to have been a relentless advocate for his men, not only leading by example at Valley Forge but also making the case to the Continental Congress on behalf of his often underfunded army.
The story finds its stride with Washington serving as a colonel in the French and Indian War (1756-1763). This section hits on the points readers would expect to find from that war, talking about his relationship with British General Edward Braddock and analyzing wilderness campaigns-sometimes successful, sometimes not-against forts like Duquesne and Necessity.
'Conotacarius' was the nickname he was given by Indians during his time fighting in the French and Indian War. This meant 'Town Destroyer' and underscored the fear many Native Americans held toward Washington that time period.
There were several elements of Washington's character and leadership that stand out.
First was his willingness to go against the grain by pushing for a Continental, professional army. The contemporary suspicion of standing armies and favorable view toward militias did not hold sway with Washington; he held professional soldierly in high esteem and, thanks to experiences in the French and Indian War, was not crazy about militia organizations.
And Washington-in a preview of coming attractions when it came to his support for the Federalists-was also in favor of more coordination and centralization in the fledgling Revolutionary era government. Brumwell does a nice job explaining how he viewed the petty rivalries and jealousies between colonies/states as extremely detrimental toward victory over the British. This experience led him to favor a stronger, albeit still limited, central government authority.
he suspicion with which a lot of authority was viewed-an outgrowth itself of the Revolution-created a difficult to manage situation for the administrator a brand new army. The tension between professional and militia soldiers was also a source of friction, but George Washington: Gentleman Warrior demonstrates how the general from Virginia frequently defused this potential timebomb.
Although he did credit administrators like Quartermaster Nathanael Greene, he nevertheless was often frustrated with how poorly supplied and equipped (not to mention poorly paid) his troops often were.
Washington also pushed for stricter punishments for violations of the military code. While many Americans had viewed the British as sadistically harsh toward their own recalcitrant soldiers, General Washington leaned into this as the best method for creating an effective fighting force. Despite this, he was held in high esteem by the men serving underneath him.
There are a lot of guest appearances by supporting actors throughout George Washington: Gentleman Warrior.
Charles Lee makes often quirky stints in the narrative, and the Marquis de Lafayette's services rendered and great relationship with Washington are analyzed. Jean-Baptiste, comte de Rochambeau is another Frenchman whose services for the Revolutionary cause end up proving invaluable to Washington.
The scheming between John Andre and Benedict Arnold, as well as the fallout when it was exposed, really made for some great reading. Brumwell really did nice work telling the story of the Arnold treason at West Point, and he does an equally good job with the Trenton and Princeton attacks in late 1777 and early 1778.
Baron von Steuben's efforts to whip the Continental Army into a better fighting force are also looked at, and one of the most interesting sections of all was Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy. The question of civilian versus military control of the government was not a set matter in America's pre-Constitution day, and Washington's willingness to be a mediator and vouch for civilian control over the military during that crisis was a critical early precedent.
His Virginia connections were crucial in his appointment as top general. The New England states-as well as New York-wanted the Southern colonies to feel that the anti-British Revolutionary effort was as much as their fight as it was their own.
Therefore having a Virginian southern colony plantation owner leading the fight further created glue to bind all of the thirteen colonies together. Thanks to this, sectionalism would largely be minimized during the Revolutionary War.
Washington's growth as a commander is revealed as the story unfolds. He comes to realize that the British, while superior in manpower, sea power, and firepower, would struggle to win a protracted war in America. Because of this, Washington-after several early failure early on in the Revolutionary War in New York-swallows much of his aggressiveness and opts for more of a pick-your-moments type of fight which ultimately results in victory.
This book does not unveil a lot that readers of this era will not already know.
But it does tell a nice story of a general who grew into his role and handled an extremely difficult situation with impressive poise.
It is a B+ effort, with a believable portrait produced of George Washington's time as a solder serving a patriotic cause. Readers will not finish it blown away with product, but neither will they come away disappointed with the more in-depth understanding they will have regarding Washington's tactics and leadership skills while heading up the Continental Army.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
August 1, 2017
An excellent biography of George Washington as soldier and general in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Author Stephen Brumwell describes Washington describes how Washington matured from a young surveyor into a soldier and leader of his country. There were some interesting highlights in the book about the rank-and-file who fought in the Revolutionary War. Individual states drafted soldiers who could by their way out. For this reason, many of the privates who served were former indentured servants and convicts transported from Britain. Later, at least 10 percent of those who served were free black men or former slaves. Most officers were "gentlemen" in the Old World sense that they were from the wealthy planter or upper class. As many as 125,000 men fought on the American side during the war, about one in three of those who were able-bodied. Their individual stories can be found in applications for land bounties and pensions kept on file in the U.S. archives. Personal Note: Ancestor Adamson Tannehill served five and a half years in the Continental Army, worked his way up to lt. and captian, and latter atained the rank of General. Born in Frederick, Md., but after the war settled in Pittsburgh, Pa.
October 28, 2017
This narrative revolves around the premise that Washington's success evolved from his youthful desire to be both a gentleman and a warrior. It went beyond just civility and manners and shaped his whole approach to soldiering. Without it the outcome of the War of Independence may have been different. For example, his commitment to officers who were and acted as "gentlemen" thereby setting them apart from the rank and file. But at the same time enduring the hardships that the enlisted soldiers did and as Washington himself did. A sense of honor above all.
The book contains some of my favorite anecdotes as well as shedding some light on Alexander Hamilton as a soldier and aide to G. Washington.
The book contains some of my favorite anecdotes as well as shedding some light on Alexander Hamilton as a soldier and aide to G. Washington.
May 29, 2018
A good account of Washington’s military career before he became President of the United States, interesting because the British author seems more sympathetic to the Crown than some other biographers, such as Chernow...
February 7, 2017
I bought this book not quite realizing somehow that it was a biography focusing on George Washington as a soldier (the book essentially ends with the end of the Revolutionary War). While I collect and appreciate books about the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II and other important historical-military periods, I am not a fan of military history, one that focuses on the maneuvers, the techniques, and (in one book I read) the thicknesses of tank shielding. This book is the exception. It is very well-written, very engaging, and insightful, and the more I read the harder it was to put down. As with all really good books, it had me thinking about what other books I might want to read about George Washington and the Revolutionary War period.
This book won the George Washington Book Prize in 2013, and I believe it was well-deserved. It is scholarly, but accessible to the interested lay reader. If you are interested in George Washington or the Revolutionary War, I recommend this book.
This book won the George Washington Book Prize in 2013, and I believe it was well-deserved. It is scholarly, but accessible to the interested lay reader. If you are interested in George Washington or the Revolutionary War, I recommend this book.
August 25, 2016
A better book than you would surmise, if you only look at how long it appears to have taken me to read it. While I acquired it two years ago, I never really started seriously reading it until about a week ago, so it would be safe to say that once started, I found it hard to put down. Add to that, that I am not a fan of military history, and you get an idea of how very good this book is. For an iconic figure as prolifically written about as George Washington, it is a delight to find a book that presents a new view and a new perspective rather than just a rehash of old and stale ground. Highly recommended for any readers who like biography and/or American Colonial history.
September 26, 2015
THis one took be forever to finish although it was interesting. I'd read much of the history of Washington during the Revolutionary War so it was familiar. But it seemed like Brumwell covered every single battle of the eight years so it got a little tedious at times. Still a fascinating look at Washington as a young man and commander of the first American military. Conditions for the soldiers was distressing and reinforces the notion that it was a miracle that we won that war at all.
January 16, 2016
Wow, is all I can say. As I read this book, I continue to compare the environment that Washington and his Army encountered to the environment we're in today. It's amazing the courage and determination the colonial citizens had when fighting this war under the most undesirable conditions.
I would rate this book a 4. Unfortunately, I can't indicate this in the 'My Rating' section. I don't have access.
I would rate this book a 4. Unfortunately, I can't indicate this in the 'My Rating' section. I don't have access.
February 11, 2014
Excellent study of GW as a military man, containing much info that I hadn't read before --and I read a lot of GW boox. There is also enough human interest to keep the reader going through the overly-detailed military actions. Some of Washington's weaknesses are dealt with, but I finished the book feeling even more admiration for the man.
September 12, 2014
Good entertaining read about Washington as military leader
Both before and during the American war of independence
Truly an important historical figure ..without this man the US could still be part of the british empire
Both before and during the American war of independence
Truly an important historical figure ..without this man the US could still be part of the british empire
January 30, 2016
In the end, I enjoyed reading the book. The author became for complimentary of George Washington and made clear his great contribution to the beginning of our nation and his great leadership as General of the army and as our first President.
January 6, 2014
Pretty dry, but fun to watch George mature as a man and a soldier.
July 4, 2014
Finished just in time for Independence Day!
June 16, 2015
Very very very good. Great character
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews