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The Generals
Washington: A Legacy of Leadership
His name is carved in granite, his likeness cast in bronze, his legend as large as the role he played as America's first president. But before he was a commander-in-chief, George Washington was a general in a revolution that would decide the future of the people and land he called his own. If victorious, he would gain immortality. If defeated, he would find his neck in a hangman's noose. Washington knew the sting of defeat?at Brandywine, at Germantown?yet this unwavering leadership and his vision for a new and independent nation emboldened an army prepared to fight barefoot if necessary to win that independence. Wrote an officer after the Battle of "I saw him brave all the dangers of the field and his important life hanging as it were by a single hair with a thousand deaths flying around him." Among America's pantheon of Founding Fathers, one man?to this day?stands out. Author Paul Vickery tracks the unlikely rise of Washington, a man whose stature in command of a young army became prelude to a presidency. As Vickery writes, "He learned to become the father of our country by first being the father of our military."
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 26, 2011
What series of generals would be complete without the one general most loved by all peoples around the globe. General George Washington the father of our nation and the leader of a young fledgling army at the birth of that new nation. A man studied and written about by more intellectuals than I care to count. Here Paul Vickery has taken a quite nice simplistic approach to writing about this greatest of men General George Washington without a lot of clutter to confound the reader about opinions as to why he did what he did each step of his life.
You'll find the reading easy and complete with facts. I found a couple things that I was not aware of during my reading of this book. A man of honor, integrity, and faith who expected his men to be of the same character. What I found most interesting in this book was his training of the men under his command and the approach taken to build up this ragtag army into a respectable fighting force with discipline. Certainly not the way things are done in todays army, but that is both good and bad in my opinion.
As a person who loves history, my country, and as a mom I think every household should have this book on their shelves for reading. If we forget about the great people who brought us to where we are today, our future is lost leaving a foothold for other to take hold. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Washington-A Legacy of Leadership by Paul Vickery! I give it 5 starts for the value of it's pages.
Available in hard copy and Kindle Edition
Provide by BOOKsneeze for Review Purposes. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2022
I had the awesome opportunity to have been taught by Professor Vickery in university! Thank you for making our US History class lively and engaging, Professor.
August 11, 2023
A look at how important our nation's first president applied his leadership. While he was not a perfect man he was perfectly suited for his job at the time. Well worth the time investment to read.
July 17, 2024
Great perspective on Washington. Writes from a different perspective but gave George’s faith its due. Worth a read!
February 2, 2014
George Washington has had much written about his life and career (or should one say, *careers*) in public service to first the colonies, and then his country. The important role that he played in the formation of our republic, from military man to president setting precedents for our country in both areas, still leaves an indelible impression on us all, over two hundred years removed from his death. There is a wealth of information to discuss and catalog, argue about and debate.
Unfortunately, there is little accuracy or focus on the importance of his military career. It seems to be taken for granted that either Washington was a military genius, or a barely competent officer who stumbled through until the French saved him and the rest of us. Unlike with studies of his presidency, this dearth of in-depth examination on Washington the General continues.
Paul Vickery corrects much of this oversight in his slim volume, *Washington: A Legacy of Leadership*, part of Thomas Nelson's series *The Generals*. The view that he gives Washington is balanced, showing the complex man that he was. True, Washington freed his slaves upon his death, but he still kept them, and refused to allow freed blacks to serve in his army, until he had no choice due to falling enistments. He was a competent, and sometimes brilliant commander, but he was also short-sighted, and as a young man, signed a document that was the powder keg starting the French and Indian War. He cared passionately for his men, but also fell prone to the view of the superiority of officers as gentlemen over the common soldiers.
Make no mistake, Washington was *heroic*, but he was also a flawed human being, as all of Adam's fallen descendants are. Despite this, he was a sincere believer, and tried to be a good man. He was wrong on so much about the plight of the poor, and of slaves. Yet, he was also not a monster as so many of his modern detractors seem to believe that he was.
In short, he very much a man of his age. His views were very moral and steeped in Scripture, and of exemplary character for the age and prejudices with which he dealt. This is important to remember, when discussing the man, or any figure. A balanced view is always a good thing.
As a military man he was not a tactical genius, but neither was he a tactical dunce. He had a sharp mind, that while not the equal of his British adversaries, had one advantage over them. It was restrained by a humble heart. Despite his sometimes egotistical obsession with the position of "gentlemen", he would listen to others, and take their advice. True, sometimes his heart caused him to trust the wrong people, most famously the traitor Benedict Arnold, but it also caused him to win important battles due to his willingness to listen when others told him he was making a mistake with a tactical decision or other.
Finally, perhaps the most important decision that Washington made was to solicit and accept the help of Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben, or Baron von Steuben, for short. Von Steuben's main contribution to the war was to train the disorganized, unruly and undisciplined Continental Army into a competent and deadly military machine. He went on to write a book on military drills and principles, that, though changed through the years by later US military leaders, is still the basis for what the military drills into young warriors today. Our might and efficiency owes to von Steuben's work, and Washington blessed future generations incalculably by utilizing this great man.
All of this is great stuff, and really does make the book practically deserve a perfect rating, except for one small issue. Part of the purpose of the book was to explain and delve into Washington's philosophy and religious views. To know and learn what he felt and believed. Who he WAS in the end. Yet very little was devoted to that. I understand the purpose of devoting most of the book to the French and Indian and American Revolutionary Wars. The series is called, after all, *The Generals*, but if the author states a desire to explain something, then he really darn well ought to try to explain it. For not doing so, the book falls somewhat in my opinion.
If one is interested in reading about Washington's military adventures and exploits, then this is the book for you, and I recommend it. If one wants more than that, then don't bother with the book.
-----
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
Unfortunately, there is little accuracy or focus on the importance of his military career. It seems to be taken for granted that either Washington was a military genius, or a barely competent officer who stumbled through until the French saved him and the rest of us. Unlike with studies of his presidency, this dearth of in-depth examination on Washington the General continues.
Paul Vickery corrects much of this oversight in his slim volume, *Washington: A Legacy of Leadership*, part of Thomas Nelson's series *The Generals*. The view that he gives Washington is balanced, showing the complex man that he was. True, Washington freed his slaves upon his death, but he still kept them, and refused to allow freed blacks to serve in his army, until he had no choice due to falling enistments. He was a competent, and sometimes brilliant commander, but he was also short-sighted, and as a young man, signed a document that was the powder keg starting the French and Indian War. He cared passionately for his men, but also fell prone to the view of the superiority of officers as gentlemen over the common soldiers.
Make no mistake, Washington was *heroic*, but he was also a flawed human being, as all of Adam's fallen descendants are. Despite this, he was a sincere believer, and tried to be a good man. He was wrong on so much about the plight of the poor, and of slaves. Yet, he was also not a monster as so many of his modern detractors seem to believe that he was.
In short, he very much a man of his age. His views were very moral and steeped in Scripture, and of exemplary character for the age and prejudices with which he dealt. This is important to remember, when discussing the man, or any figure. A balanced view is always a good thing.
As a military man he was not a tactical genius, but neither was he a tactical dunce. He had a sharp mind, that while not the equal of his British adversaries, had one advantage over them. It was restrained by a humble heart. Despite his sometimes egotistical obsession with the position of "gentlemen", he would listen to others, and take their advice. True, sometimes his heart caused him to trust the wrong people, most famously the traitor Benedict Arnold, but it also caused him to win important battles due to his willingness to listen when others told him he was making a mistake with a tactical decision or other.
Finally, perhaps the most important decision that Washington made was to solicit and accept the help of Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben, or Baron von Steuben, for short. Von Steuben's main contribution to the war was to train the disorganized, unruly and undisciplined Continental Army into a competent and deadly military machine. He went on to write a book on military drills and principles, that, though changed through the years by later US military leaders, is still the basis for what the military drills into young warriors today. Our might and efficiency owes to von Steuben's work, and Washington blessed future generations incalculably by utilizing this great man.
All of this is great stuff, and really does make the book practically deserve a perfect rating, except for one small issue. Part of the purpose of the book was to explain and delve into Washington's philosophy and religious views. To know and learn what he felt and believed. Who he WAS in the end. Yet very little was devoted to that. I understand the purpose of devoting most of the book to the French and Indian and American Revolutionary Wars. The series is called, after all, *The Generals*, but if the author states a desire to explain something, then he really darn well ought to try to explain it. For not doing so, the book falls somewhat in my opinion.
If one is interested in reading about Washington's military adventures and exploits, then this is the book for you, and I recommend it. If one wants more than that, then don't bother with the book.
-----
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Thomas Nelson emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
December 15, 2019
Inspired
December 23, 2011
I’m finding more and more that History class let me down. Who would’ve thought amidst all those dates and “Wah-Wah” sounds from behind the teacher’s desk were stories full of richness, intrigue, and applicable lessons for everyday life?
The more I read (or watch – thank you History Channel), the more amazed (and perturbed) at what wasn’t taught. As such, I jumped at the opportunity to read about the Father of our country – especially framed as a study on his leadership qualities. Washington: A Legacy of Leadership discusses the how Washington developed as a leader – warts and all. It’s a well-written book that sheds light on the nation’s reluctant, but willing founder.
Sprinkled throughout the stories of America’s history, we the readers see the lessons Washington learned first hand from his failures and successes. As a military leader, a political figure, an ambitious landowner, and loyal citizen,Washington put others first in humility, remained faithful to the cause, honored “Providence” in all his actions, and reaped the fruits of persistance, innovation, and determination. Recognizing the significance of his roles in life, Washington pursued them with caution, ever mindful of the implications his every action might have on the future of the country he loved before its birth.
This book reveals Washington, a flawed individual struggling to fulfill his purpose in life and learning that it’s the in the struggle that find our life. I enjoyed if from several perspectives – historical, inspirational, and biographical.
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
The more I read (or watch – thank you History Channel), the more amazed (and perturbed) at what wasn’t taught. As such, I jumped at the opportunity to read about the Father of our country – especially framed as a study on his leadership qualities. Washington: A Legacy of Leadership discusses the how Washington developed as a leader – warts and all. It’s a well-written book that sheds light on the nation’s reluctant, but willing founder.
Sprinkled throughout the stories of America’s history, we the readers see the lessons Washington learned first hand from his failures and successes. As a military leader, a political figure, an ambitious landowner, and loyal citizen,Washington put others first in humility, remained faithful to the cause, honored “Providence” in all his actions, and reaped the fruits of persistance, innovation, and determination. Recognizing the significance of his roles in life, Washington pursued them with caution, ever mindful of the implications his every action might have on the future of the country he loved before its birth.
This book reveals Washington, a flawed individual struggling to fulfill his purpose in life and learning that it’s the in the struggle that find our life. I enjoyed if from several perspectives – historical, inspirational, and biographical.
-from trudatmusic.com/raw
September 24, 2011
Paul Vickery's book on George Washington was wonderfully written and carefully crafted. Following Washington's military career, the reader is absorbed into his life and how he become the army general, how he took the military from infancy to a more professionally formed unit, and how he fought and won battles that navigated the outcome of the States' freedom. The reader is able to see how Washington made decisions, interacted with others, and how the time and context he was living in demanded nothing but greatness from him.
Vickery's writing was engaging and easy to follow. Quoting extensively from Washington and those close to him, the reader gets a private insight into what was going through Washington's mind as he made decisions and interacted with those around him. You get an insider's look into how the army fought against the British and how ultimate freedom was won. The author does well to end with him being elected the first President even though he wanted to be a private citizen—the way he performed the presidential duties set in motion much of how the presidency is run today.
This was a good, informative, and engaging narrative of Washington's life as a military leader. If you're looking more for Washington as president, then go elsewhere. But if you're looking for his military career and who he was before becoming president, then start here.
Vickery's writing was engaging and easy to follow. Quoting extensively from Washington and those close to him, the reader gets a private insight into what was going through Washington's mind as he made decisions and interacted with those around him. You get an insider's look into how the army fought against the British and how ultimate freedom was won. The author does well to end with him being elected the first President even though he wanted to be a private citizen—the way he performed the presidential duties set in motion much of how the presidency is run today.
This was a good, informative, and engaging narrative of Washington's life as a military leader. If you're looking more for Washington as president, then go elsewhere. But if you're looking for his military career and who he was before becoming president, then start here.
January 24, 2016
I was excited to learn more about George Washington, but the writing style of this book is exceptionally poor. Many of the ideas were buried in confusing language and bizarre grammatical choices (especially where commas and hyphens are concerned). I went into this book with hopes of learning about America's most prominent founding father, but I ultimately read it out of sheer disbelief that something written so poorly had actually been published. My sister bought this for me at a used book sale, and I fully understand why it was there in the first place.
November 13, 2013
One of the best George Washington biographies I've ever had the pleasure to read (and believe me, I've read many over the years). It was easy to follow and not overly detailed. The info isn't extremely overwhelming and the writing style very enjoyable.Great book.
April 17, 2016
Three stars because it was an ostensibly accurate recounting of Washington's professional life...in a suitably readable format...which is good. Overall, though, not particularly insightful or engaging. And the Kindle edition had typos and errors. Come on.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews