George Washington: A Biography

by John Richard Alden

Examines the first president's qualities as a statesman and political and military leader, while tracing his failures, achievements, ancestry, youth, early career, ideals, retirement, and death.

Genres: History, Biography, American Revolution, Nonfiction, American History, Presidents

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1984

About the author

John R. Alden was James B. Duke Professor Emeritus at Duke University and wrote a number of biographies of important figures in the American Revolution, including Thomas Gage, Charles Lee, and Stephen Sayre.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this and wasn’t very impressed, then after a year started it again and though I see a lot of flaws in it, I don’t regret listening. It is informational in nature and I felt like it presented some information that I hadn’t gotten (or maybe retained) from previous reading.
Overall Alden’s style isn’t my favorite. He matter of factly presents what happened and more importantly why it happened, with very little discussion of any sources or why/how we know that to be true. Occasionally he alludes to letters, but often he just states things without discussion. It could be that because I listened to this, I missed foot or end notes that the written version may have, which may have been helpful.
The thing that is worst about Alden’s writing is the racism about Native Americans. Alden is fond of using nicknames for groups of people and the Native American ones were slurs, he especially likes the term “redskins” and also, “savages.” Beyond the name-calling, he doesn’t address their humanity as he does other groups of people; though he investigates motivations and personalities of other opponents, he usually does not with the Native American groups. Another racism issue is that He devotes as little time possible to the subject of slavery and to the people that Washington held enslaved. I felt like the Ellis biography does better at investigating the complexity of that subject.
I felt like this was in the admiring side of neutral, but not to an extent that I didn’t trust the content. Overall, I felt like this was a good source of information on a topic I find interesting and worthwhile, it’s just that it has become dated, and there are some aspects of history people do better now.
What I particularly liked were the parts about before the Revolutionary War during the 7 years war and the lead-up to the revolution, and the parts in the later part of his presidency and after when tensions and troubles with the British and the French are discussed. I find the interconnectedness of history very interesting and I found additional information here to illuminate the areas between the “big events.”
As I mentioned I listed to this, it was a Blackstone Audio production with Grover Gardner reading. There seemed to be quality issues with the production, primarily that the reader sounded like he had been sped up slightly through most of the book, from time to time a shift would happen and the sound quality would be different for a while. Also from time to time I could hear background voices.
Overall I would say if you are looking for a biography of Washington, out of the two that I have read, I would recommend the Ellis one instead of this one. If, instead, you have read somewhat and looking for more, this one is good.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided this year to try to read one presidential biography per week, and this was the first. I just wanted to get a better idea who these people were that have guided our country.

I gave this three stars because I just don’t know how easy it is to write a biography about someone from a couple hundred years ago. I do know I thought this was rather boring, though. Let’s see how this idea of mine plays out.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information about Washington that's not commonly known however there are dozens of biographies about him out there and I don't believe this one of the better ones. Large portions of it were just general history information about the time he lived.

[Jon Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Left a lot out. Had some psychological analysis.

[Honor Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is difficult to write a book about someone so remarkable as George Washington, and attempt to make him sound like a mildly interesting or notable character in a vast sea of events. However, somehow the author has been able to do this. Although well researched and well read, Alden appears to have missed the very things that set Washington apart, and made him uniquely equipped for this rare moment in world history.

[Kayla Raine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely learned quite a bit about Washington and the history of the USA. However, the concentration of info was often on outside subjects more than Washington, himself, or even his reactions. It was more of a history lesson than a biography. Washington's childhood and former years were glossed over, while the 4-5 year period of the War of Independence took up more than half the book. Likewise, his Presidency was also just an oversight. Again, a good read and informative; just wish it had been a more well rounded view of his life and his presidency.

[Drucilla Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just needed the basic run down! Interesting -- in the beginning he kinda seemed spoiled and always thinking he deserved a promotion. But he kept going. mostly he survived the battles. Last one standing -- president. But he was even tempered and people liked him. and he hated dishonesty -- so even though Hamilton and Adams didn't agree with him all the time -- they knew he would be fair -and tempered and then use his careful judgement.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"George Washington: A Biography" - written by John Alden and published in 1984 by Louisiana State University Press. Glad to finally find a readable biography of GW although the military details dragged on.

[Sandra Dark · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, a good biography. But it's a little outdated in places.

[Scott Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded the audiobook from my local library. The narration is done by Grover Gardner, who is one of the very best. Very enjoyable listen.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got bored. Stopped mid way.