George Washington: First Guardian Of American Liberty

by Michael Crawley

Who was George Washington? You probably know him as the first president of the United States, the commander of the Continental army who led American farmers and innkeepers in a victorious eight-year war against the British. But where did he get his military experience? Why was picked to take command of the army? Why was he the only American president ever to be elected unanimously (twice!), and did he really chop down that cherry tree as a kid? In this book entitled George First Guardian of American Liberty by author Michael Crawley, you'll follow the course of George Washington's life, from his birth at Ferry Farm in Virginia in 1732, to his death at his Mount Vernon estate in 1799. You'll learn how his early fame as a hero of the French and Indian War, and his illustrious marriage to a wealthy widow, led to this farm boy becoming one of the most important men in Virginia, a delegate at the Continental Congress where the Founders of America gathered to decide the nation's fate. The first guardian of American liberty looks serene in his portraits, but he didn't always rise above the fray. Washington fought for what he believed in, and his political convictions shocked contemporaries like Thomas Jefferson. Do you know what kind of country George Washington wanted America to be?

Genres: History, Biography, Presidents, Nonfiction

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2016

Reviews

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and concise summary of Washington's life and the history of our early American colonies and the bravery of so many in the American Revolution. This book filled in the gaps for me of what I must have missed in elementary school. It was interesting to learn about the personality of GW, what he was like as a man.

A book quoted frequently in this one is Ron Chernow's Washington A Life.

Toward end (Loc 1529) this book mentions Parson Weems' bio of GW and states that that author minister "had made a career of cranking out poorly researched books."

Enjoyed reading about this honorable and good man. Americans need to study his life more. We need to know about our founding principles and about this strong but humble character who was our first president. GW was brave and sacrificial, risking his life in battles and staying on as President when he wanted to be home at Mount Vernon.

Interesting summation of GW's life at end.

Primary Sources and Texts Referenced at end

As a general, he was a skilled strategist against the British forces. He was ahead of his time in ordering the smallpox inoculation for every man in the Continental Army. Also, he exhibited extreme shrewdness (which gave him a great tactical advantage) when he was remarkably able to keep the severe powder shortage faced by the Continental Army a secret from his own men, Congress, civilians and the British.

Fascinating and genius how the Founding Fathers came up with the American Constitution and the electoral college.

Delaware River Crossing, Valley Forge paintings both discussed here.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezy, concise read that manages a fairly comprehensive look into the life of George Washington with little over 200 pages. All that I really remember about our president during school days primarily revolves around the Revolutionary War. While that's obviously a feature in this book, it doesn't dominate the narrative. The author spent significant time on both the early years and post-war period which I greatly appreciated. Information is presented in a fair and even-handed measure. While Washington had fewer faults than many, he wasn't divine and shortcomings receive some mentions in these pages. If you're seeking more details about this legendary historical figure and aren't ready for one of the biographical tomes out there, this is an excellent starting point.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides a fairly concise, easy to read summary of George Washington's life. It is not an exhaustive, detailed book and the author makes no pretense of trying to be one. I learned a few interesting details about our first President, especially about his youth and his presidency. Most other accounts focus on his role as Commander of the Continental Army. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn a bit more about George Washington without getting caught up in a lot of detail

[Julie Caelwaerts · Rating 3 out of 5]

It touches on the high points

This biography does a great job of touching on the high points o Washington's life but it doesn't really get to the guts of it. I guess I should have picked one of the longer, more in depth biographies to learn more about our first President as I was craving more insight into his views and policies. However, the book is easy to read and gives a good top level overview of several important events in our history.

[Lucila Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook after visiting Washington DC and Mount Vernon. What a fascinating person Washington was. In this 3 1/2 hours listen, we get a summary of Washington's life since his childhood, youth, to his outstanding militar carrer. And finally how he got to be elected the first USA President. The book follows his life until his death in 1779.
George Washington was an admirable person and was (and still is) an example for the whole world.

[Goldie Goldstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book glossed over a lot of events and could have expanded on a lot of information about George Washington's Life. The biggest thing that bothered me was a glaring editorial mistake. In the beginning of the book, the date was 1754, and the date in the book was 1774. How can a 20 year difference escape the editors? I don't know if this is the author's fault or the editor's fault, but it made me not like the book.

[Elizabeth Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just OK…..

To many references to Ron Chernow’s book WASHINGTON. I should have read that book. This book seemed to be an extreme Cliff Note Book and I felt like so much of his Presidential life was left out and that was something I was really interested in.
I enjoyed the book I read about Martha Washington much better, WASHINGTON’s LADY. I have embarked on a quest to read a book about every President and First Lady.

[Chris May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that only helped me grow in my admiration for Washington. Crawley writes in a clear and concise manner, allowing the reader to gain factual information as well as a glimpse of our first President's heart. Through sickness, war, betrayal, and other hardships, this overarching story of Washington's endurance and strength is sure to inspire.

[Beth Jedamski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Kept my attention. Easy to read. Inspiring.

Well researched. Great information without getting lost in the details. Fascinating. A book I will re-read soon! Would be a great book to share with a book club.

[Cecil Yvonne Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Washington, the right man at the right time

Anything we can learn about George Washington is worth our time. He was such a larger than life figure. The United States was blessed that he came along when he did.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating Read - Important in these times

Not many people know anything at all about the tightrope of ideas this nation was created. Washington was the one man that the founding fathers trusted with the keys to this young nation.

[Ruth Brann · Rating 5 out of 5]

History

I enjoyed learning about George Washington. He was a great leader because of his empathy. It’s interesting to learn that he was not the smartest man in the room but he understood people and was very observant. He lead an extraordinary life.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was both an interesting and educational read. It was enjoyable. As someone who has governmental educational background, the book had a couple of points that could have been better researched. There were also some grammatical errors. Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it!

[Cheryl Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatness and the dream of America

This is well written and informative. A man who should be honored as an American hero and should be emulated and a model for all people to strive to be like him. All politicians should read this book.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary. Quick read and seems to be objectionable.

[Ramona Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book


Loved the book. Never realized it was more than just signing a declaration of independence. Washington was a great leader.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

George Washington truly had the fore sight that helped structure our great nation. Like a lot us he had good and not so good. Thankfully he had a lot more positive good.

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a history buff, but usually I read up on ancient history. I've never read up on monarchs or presidents but suddenly felt this need to read up on American presidents. Perhaps it being election year has something to do with it.

Having never known anything about George Washington, (I am not American so, I have that excuse. LOL) I am now profoundly in awe of his character and have a deep respect for America's first president.

This book is not an autobiography. It doesn't really go into detail of George Washington's life. Instead, it is a really good stepping stone for people like me who are just taking their first peek into who George Washington is.

I like the author's writing style. It did NOT read like an old, boring, history textbook. Instead, it was engaging and had me flipping the pages until I realized there weren't any more pages to flip. Dang!

[Elyse Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This is exactly what a biography needs to be. It is told in eight parts, chronologically through his life, divided by significant moments that changed his path. Crawley is not overly wordy or expository, he gets to the point and tells the reader the important facts with a slightly narrative flair. The flow of the book is fast paced and builds intrigue, it is never fluffy or dull, like some biographies. Each section break in each chapter starts with a quote from one of his writings, or about him by a contemporary, and often is legal documents of the time. This provides the important context of the period in a concise way, not overloading the modern reader with indecipherable older language. This would be a great companion text for history teachers, and a great assignment for college level.

[Bob OBrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary

An easy read of the character and personal traits of a great leader. We often do not see Washington's humanity, but this well-balanced book let's us see the man for who he really was.

[Michael Sheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and quick read

I recommend this to anyone looking to get into U.S. History
Great pacing and outlining of some of the United States most important events.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book about George Washington. A good book that briefly covers what George Washington did and was.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction, or springboard, for learning more about George Washington. Easy and engaging.