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Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2123 people want to read
About the author
John Garrison Marks
5 books15 followersJohn Garrison Marks is a historian and writer exploring the United States' histories of race, slavery, and public memory. His latest book—"Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory" (forthcoming in 2026)—explores how generations of Americans have made sense of slavery's place in George Washington's legacy. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, TIME, Smithsonian Magazine, and elsewhere. His first book, Black Freedom in the Age of Slavery, tells the story of the efforts of free people of color to improve their lives, communities, and challenge racial restrictions in the Atlantic World. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Rice University. He is a New Jersey native currently living outside Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
One of the hardest truths that I think we will ever face is that, even if someone has made monumental contributions to a society, this does not make them necessarily good people, or even moral people.
Washington is often seen as a paragon of American culture, and his status as a founding father is unquestionable. With that said, this book emphasises what others struggle to articulate or accept about Washington- he was involved in the sale and use of other human beings for his own gain.
I think this book emphasises an important element of the above fact - it is, indeed, a fact, and it deserves to be examined and considered. Far from the concepts that Washington was simply an honest man who chopped down a cherry tree and had wooden teeth, this book emphasises that there are issues with Washington’s image, and that people often ascribe more goodness to him than required.
Whilst the book also raises Washington’s actions in emancipating certain slaves, it emphasises that he also kept certain people in slavery, meaning that there were families divided and only certain people who went free. This is a particularly interesting note, and it also entails that there was a selectiveness in Washington’s approach.
All in all, this book is an excellent breakdown of Washington’s contribution to American society as well as his failings. I do think there could have been a little more emphasis on a forward facing approach in terms of teaching and managing these conversations, but all in all, this is a very solid and well researched piece.
One of the hardest truths that I think we will ever face is that, even if someone has made monumental contributions to a society, this does not make them necessarily good people, or even moral people.
Washington is often seen as a paragon of American culture, and his status as a founding father is unquestionable. With that said, this book emphasises what others struggle to articulate or accept about Washington- he was involved in the sale and use of other human beings for his own gain.
I think this book emphasises an important element of the above fact - it is, indeed, a fact, and it deserves to be examined and considered. Far from the concepts that Washington was simply an honest man who chopped down a cherry tree and had wooden teeth, this book emphasises that there are issues with Washington’s image, and that people often ascribe more goodness to him than required.
Whilst the book also raises Washington’s actions in emancipating certain slaves, it emphasises that he also kept certain people in slavery, meaning that there were families divided and only certain people who went free. This is a particularly interesting note, and it also entails that there was a selectiveness in Washington’s approach.
All in all, this book is an excellent breakdown of Washington’s contribution to American society as well as his failings. I do think there could have been a little more emphasis on a forward facing approach in terms of teaching and managing these conversations, but all in all, this is a very solid and well researched piece.
November 27, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Thy Will Be Done deals with George Washington’s role in upholding slavery. Washington was the first American president but he enslaved more people than any of the other founding fathers. Upon his death he emancipated his slaves but his wife’s dower slaves remained enslaved. This meant families were spilt up. In this book the author explains the many contradictions of George Washington. This book discusses Washington and his participation in slavery, the 1932 Washington Bicentennial, what schools teach about Washington and Mount Vernon and its role in slavery.
This book is very good and I’m giving it five stars. This is very well researched and the writing is great. This book is exclusively focused on George Washington and this gives a balanced view of him. It is not too liberal and it’s not too conservative as it gives the facts about Washington. I found this to be very interesting and I particularly enjoyed the discussions on what schools teach about Washington and slavery as well as the information on Mount Vernon. This book also shows how certain politicians have denied the basic facts about Washington such as him owning slaves. I think this book is an important read especially for 2026 with the 250th anniversary of American independence. I loved reading this and as a British person I just find these topics to be fascinating. This is a compelling work of non-fiction and I would recommend people read this alongside George Washington and the Creation of the American Republic by William M. Fowler Jr.
Thy Will Be Done deals with George Washington’s role in upholding slavery. Washington was the first American president but he enslaved more people than any of the other founding fathers. Upon his death he emancipated his slaves but his wife’s dower slaves remained enslaved. This meant families were spilt up. In this book the author explains the many contradictions of George Washington. This book discusses Washington and his participation in slavery, the 1932 Washington Bicentennial, what schools teach about Washington and Mount Vernon and its role in slavery.
This book is very good and I’m giving it five stars. This is very well researched and the writing is great. This book is exclusively focused on George Washington and this gives a balanced view of him. It is not too liberal and it’s not too conservative as it gives the facts about Washington. I found this to be very interesting and I particularly enjoyed the discussions on what schools teach about Washington and slavery as well as the information on Mount Vernon. This book also shows how certain politicians have denied the basic facts about Washington such as him owning slaves. I think this book is an important read especially for 2026 with the 250th anniversary of American independence. I loved reading this and as a British person I just find these topics to be fascinating. This is a compelling work of non-fiction and I would recommend people read this alongside George Washington and the Creation of the American Republic by William M. Fowler Jr.
April 18, 2026
This book is well-written and engaging and everything you want in a history book. It explores how America has chosen to remember, forget, or distort Washington’s legacy, particularly his complicated relationship with slavery. I wish more books explored the different ways we have chosen to commemorate our national history in such a relevant and accessible way. Add this to your 250th reading list!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thy Will Be Done by John Garrison Marks is necessary reading for anyone that wants to engage with the complex history of the USA. Marks is a talented writer that thoughtfully explores the latest research into the life and legacy of George Washington.
The book begins with a detailed exploration of the lives of George Washington and the many people he enslaved. Marks references an impressive array of primary sources to illuminate individual experiences both before and after slavery. I really appreciated the detailed end notes and extensive usage of digital resources. In many cases, there are direct links to letters, ledgers, newspapers, and other primary sources so readers can do their own deep dives. I hadn't previously heard of an enslaved man named Samuel "Sambo" Anderson. It was so incredible to get glimpses of his life through Washington's letters and old newspaper clippings.
After providing a fact based foundation on Washington's life, Marks then explores the different ways Washington's legacy has been interpreted in the years since his death in 1799. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Washington and Slavery in the American Classroom. It provides illuminating context for the ongoing fights over American history education.
The book brings the reader all the way to the present day, ending with some thoughtful reflections as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The book is incredible and I highly recommend it.
The book begins with a detailed exploration of the lives of George Washington and the many people he enslaved. Marks references an impressive array of primary sources to illuminate individual experiences both before and after slavery. I really appreciated the detailed end notes and extensive usage of digital resources. In many cases, there are direct links to letters, ledgers, newspapers, and other primary sources so readers can do their own deep dives. I hadn't previously heard of an enslaved man named Samuel "Sambo" Anderson. It was so incredible to get glimpses of his life through Washington's letters and old newspaper clippings.
After providing a fact based foundation on Washington's life, Marks then explores the different ways Washington's legacy has been interpreted in the years since his death in 1799. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Washington and Slavery in the American Classroom. It provides illuminating context for the ongoing fights over American history education.
The book brings the reader all the way to the present day, ending with some thoughtful reflections as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The book is incredible and I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2026
Thy Will Be Done is a fascinating look at not only George Washington’s history with slavery but the way Americans debate his legacy surrounding it. The author does a great job of laying down the historical facts and then showing how different generations have used Washington’s relationship with slavery to support their own ideals and interpretations. I especially loved the final chapter on Mount Vernon and the final conclusion on how Washington can be both emancipator and enslaver.
I highly recommend for all interested in American history!
I highly recommend for all interested in American history!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews