The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution

by Susan Reyburn (editor), Zach Klitzman (editor), Carla D. Hayden (foreword)

The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution is the first book to simultaneously explore in depth the lives and contributions of two globally significant figures of the late eighteenth century: George III (1738-1820), king of Great Britain, and George Washington (1732-1799), first president of the United States. Serving as the official companion publication to the Library of Congress exhibit, the book reexamines the life of George Washington and paints a fuller picture of King George III.

In considering these men, The Two Georges contextualizes, compares, and contrasts their experiences in youth, as family men, as men of the Enlightenment, as adversaries in war, as king and president, and as figures of national myth and memory. Short essays from scholars open each chapter and examine the commonalities and differences between the two Georges as well as the forces and circumstances that informed their lives and leadership. Complementing these essays are features on specific areas of overlap and contrast, such as their military backgrounds, food preferences, and love of science, agriculture, and books; short biographies of their parents, wives, and extended families; and a variety of historic documents, maps, prints, and artwork in the Library of Congress's collections and from around the world. These supplemental pieces underscore the myriad changes the two Georges participated in and witnessed during an age of revolution.

Genres: American History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another museum exhibit "catalogue" (the Library of Congress) that proves to be a valuable work in its own right. This profound book examines two lives so intertwined and separate: George III of Great Britain and George Washington. They were born but six years apart, and of course never met but each had profound effect upon the other, which affect is the central tenet of this book. Lavishly illustrated with maps and pictures and (luckily) not afraid to shy away from examining say, Washington's slave-holding or King George's stubbornness and support of the slave economy to bolster the first British Empire. Fascinating and worth seeking out.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won't make it to see the exhibition so I decided to read the book. The two George's had a lot in common: interest in agriculture, devotion to doing what they thought was right, good wives, useless sons (okay, in George's case stepson but it's the same thing). The first essay is a bit of a slog, but the shorter essays covering a range of topics are good. Both men get a balanced portrayal. They had flaws, but it's important to look at the whole man. The illustrations were fun if a but hard to read. Political cartoons of the day had lettering that doesn't show well on smaller pictures.

[Bill Sleeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting way to consider these two surprisingly similar figures. Lots of maps and caricatures so lots to like here.