George Washington: The Wonder of the Age

by John Rhodehamel

Discover the man behind the “The only Washington biography you need…Crisply written, admirably concise, and never superficial.”—TheWall Street Journal As editor of the award-winning Library of America collection of George Washington’s writings and a curator of the great man’s original papers, John Rhodehamel has established himself as an authority of our nation’s preeminent founding father and first president. In this book, Rhodehamel examines George Washington as a public figure, arguing that the man—who first achieved fame in his early twenties—is inextricably bound to his mythic status. Solidly grounded in Washington’s papers and exemplary in its brevity, this approachable biography is a superb introduction to the leader whose name has become synonymous with America.   “A highly entertaining book…The powdered wig, the silly pants, the poker face staring out from crumpled dollar All serve to separate us from our founding father. Rhodehamel’s urgency of prose restores the connection. He also showcases his experience as the former archivist of Mount Vernon by bringing manuscript sources directly to the reader.”—TheNew York Times Book Review

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

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2017

About the author

John Rhodehamel is the former archivist of Mount Vernon and curator of American historical manuscripts at the Huntington Library. He is editor of George Washington: Writings and the American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence, 1775-1783. He lives in Newport Beach, California.

Reviews

[John Conquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just before his second inauguration, the president spoke of “the extreme wretchedness of [my] existence while in office.” A few months later, Washington angrily told his cabinet that he regretted “but once” having agreed to serve a second term. Unfortunately, that “once,” Washington continued, was “every moment since.”

George Washington was able to foretell the plight of the wagecuck without even himself receiving a salary, truly impressive.

[Joe Archino · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In Europe as well as America, George Washington was widely regarded as the greatest man alive-the shining republican hero. In an age that believed power corrupted its possessors, Washington was the wonder of the age.” - John Rhodehamel, "George Washington: The Wonder of the Age"

After almost seven years of infinite struggles in the fight to secure American Independence, peace was finally on the horizon for General George Washington and the soldiers of the Continental Army in May of 1782. As representatives of the United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain hammered out terms over in Europe to conclude the Revolutionary War, Washington and his remaining troops held their ground back in America, keeping an eye on the British until the official termination of hostilities. With major combat operations at an end, there was much time to contemplate the wide-open future of the United States. Given the current economic crisis engulfing the infant nation, however, plus the other hardships the army had long suffered due to the ineffectiveness of Congress, some also felt great concern for America’s future.

Colonel Lewis Nicola of the Continental Army was one of those who worried about the days ahead for the United States. In a May 22, 1782 letter to General Washington, Nicola outlined his concerns to the commander in chief, citing Congress’ mismanagement of the country’s finances, its unreliability in providing for the army during the war, his fears that Congress would be unable to compensate the soldiers who had sacrificed so much once the war was over, and more. Although Republicanism, a political philosophy in which the power of government rested in the hands of the people, was the ideology that underlined the American Revolution, Nicola also argued that the few country’s of the past that had subscribed to a republican model of government did not have a long track record of success. Given these factors, Nicola mentioned that it might be in America’s best interest for Washington to become the king of his country. After all, at this time, almost every government in the world was ruled by a monarch of some kind. As Nicola contended, “Some people have so connected the ideas of tyranny and monarchy as to find it very difficult to separate them . . . but if all other things are once adjusted, I believe strong arguments might be produced for admitting the title of king, which I conceive would be attended with some material advantages.”

No one understood better than Washington how the inability of Congress had hindered his army throughout the war. He was forced to spend an enormous amount of his precious time petitioning representatives of Congress and the individual states for pay, food, clothing, and scores of other supplies for his long-suffering soldiers. Despite all the burdens Washington had been forced to carry on his shoulders because of Congress’ inability to help him, however, he never forgot how an earlier iteration of that governing body had placed supreme trust in him by naming him commander in chief of the American army in June 1775. Washington considered that trust to be a sacred one that was never to be broken, and he never did. As the Chevalier de Chastellux, who served as an interpreter between Washington and the French commander, the Count de Rochambeau, put it, “This is the seventh year that [Washington] has commanded the army and he has obeyed Congress: more need not be said.”

George Washington was a firm believer in the Republican principles for which the war against the British Crown was being fought. Part of the way that Washington demonstrated those beliefs was by his conduct throughout the conflict, especially in the way he always faithfully obeyed the civilian authorities and ensured that the military remained subordinate to their jurisdiction. As the commander in chief had explained earlier in the conflict, “When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.” It was for all these reasons and more that Washington reacted to Colonel Nicola’s letter about possibly becoming a king in such a serious manner. “Be assured,” wrote Washington to Nicola, “no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed and [that] I must view with abhorrence and reprehend with severity." Given the way he had carried himself in the performance of his duty, Washington added, “I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs that can befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable . . . Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind.” Nicola heard Washington’s message loud and clear. He urgently wrote three corresponding notes of apology to the commander in chief for what he had said in his original letter.

With the enormous power and popularity that he wielded at the head of the Continental Army, if Washington had wanted a crown, it could have been his. However, as he showed through his exchange with Colonel Nicola and on many other occasions throughout the Revolutionary War, he fervently believed in the ideals of the American Revolution and he would never betray the immense trust that his countrymen had placed in him. One of America’s most important Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, understood how the Revolution might have ended very differently without someone as trustworthy as Washington in power. As Jefferson put it, “the moderation and virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish.” When Great Britain’s King George III, who had been the most determined enemy of American Independence, learned of Washington’s commitment to surrender his commission as the commander of the American army and return to his farm at the end of the Revolutionary War, he remarked, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.” Washington did just that, and as historian John Rhodehamel brilliantly asserts, “In an age that believed power corrupted its possessors, Washington was the wonder of the age.”

That last quote from John Rhodehamel is what prompted me to write this essay. In "George Washington: The Wonder of the Age," Rhodehamel does an incredible job telling the story of Washington in only 302 pages. Although concise, Rhodehamel uses his words to great effect, explaining everything clearly and thoroughly hitting on all the vital pieces of information one would hope to find in an account of Washington’s life. From what I have read, I consider Rhodehamel’s book to be easily the best concise biography of Washington currently available.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book received from NetGalley.

This was a very interesting book, the autobiography of our first elected president made sure to separate fact from the many myths that have grown up around George Washington. I had known for awhile that this book was being written, having heard the author mention it on a documentary on George Washington. I was thrilled to get a chance to read an eARC of it from NetGalley. I really enjoyed reading an up to date biography of the former general turned President of our country. I will definitely be buying a copy for my history/biography book collection.

[William Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondering about Washington? Here's a book for you!

As this book was recommended by the President of Mount Vernon as the best single-volume book about George Washington, I had to read it, especially in an effort to update my own book “George Washington’s Liberty Key.” I found the book a gem to hold, beautifully bound and printed. Rhodehamel's story of Washington reads as well as any of the best of dozens of other books about him I had read before. I was especially pleased that the author introduced numerous, uncommon insights as to why things happened the way they did. For example, General Clinton’s familiarity with New York from when his father was royal governor allowed him to propose (and lead) the pivotal flanking movement through Jamaica Pass during the Battle of Long Island. Other authors often give credit to a “loyalist spy” making the suggestion to General Howe, at least as to the Pass being lightly defended and leaving out any mention of Clinton's background or, for that matter, Howe's never-to-be-forgotten horrible experience with direct attacks at Bunker Hill. Unfortunately, one is surprised by a couple minor typos and inaccuracies in a book so otherwise well-written and researched. One inaccuracy, made by many august others, is having King George III call Washington, upon his relinquishing command of the army at the end of the Revolutionary War, “the greatest man in the world.” No, George III called Washington “the greatest character of the age.” All in all, however, the book is extremely well done. Highly recommended by a fellow author.

[Brett Pfaadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

George was a legend. Finished this book in style on President’s Day. Felt really patriotic.George was the man.

Interesting things I learned:

1) George simply should have died in all of the battles he was involved in….. The fact he stayed alive and was never knicked by a bullet is still a wonder of this world. The percentages and numbers are insane when you realize this.
2) Contrary to social belief, George was very anti-slavery. He could not display in his political actions. Even though he owned slaves himself, he treated them with dignity and respect and even wrote them papers for freedom, which was not common back then.
3) George had a major say in the design of the capital city that is now named after him. The original architect he hired, some French dude, was inspiring his design too much like our English folk (Palace of Versailles), so he fired him months into the job. Some buildings and placement you see nowadays were envisioned by George himself.

[Courtney Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a complete outsider to all things historical when it comes to America, I was hoping for a big fat juicy biography to learn much about this first President of the United States. Sadly, this is not a book for a newbie to take on. Confusing from the start, his early years are given in dribs and drabs which is understandable as he wasn't a prominent son but still made for a lack of interest in the book. Reading about Washington in his 20's makes him sound like a lucky brown nose who wanted the glory of a British military rank with no military success to warrant it. Thankfully he improves as he ages, but always it is because he wants his reputation to be good, rather than leading the people because he believed in what he was doing. A proud American, he got there because of the snubbing he got from the British establishment rather than having a fire in his belly that the colonies should make a country in its own right.
This book gives great focus on giving much detail to the War Effort between American colonies and the British Empire and information such as numbers of men in the militia are given often. This book would be something for those interested in the military history of each battle as a general overview of the battles is given in some detail. There is very little about the emotions or choices that Washington makes and why, apart from his never ending need to be admired. Although I'm sure that for the military minded there really isn't enough detail in the history for those that way inclined.
It gives detailed accounts of the set up of both the United States Constitution and the actual governmental offices. If you lack a strong background in USA political history, this book will leave you confused as it jumps from one person of note to another, such as jumping from Jefferson to Hamilton in a few sentences. Great swathes of chapters are taken up with discussing the national debt and how to fairly share the responsibility for paying the loans back with almost no part given to Washington's involvement.
George Washington. Reluctant leader. Bad military leader who often won by sheer luck rather than brilliant tactics. Bad public speaker. Not known for his conversational skills. Willing to endure opposition. Self grandiose about his reputation. These are just some of the impressions one gets from this piece.
This book tends to make for dry reading. Of its factual standing there are over 50 pages of notes and many different sources highlighted including both primary and secondary sources.
Its just not a great book for a novice.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of a man we should all aspire to be like. A great leader and example for all to follow.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compact and Elegant Biography of the Father of Our Country

This slim volume is beautifully written and contains many thoughtful insights into the character of George Washington and on his influence as “Father of Our Country”. Author John Rhodehamel makes a convincing case for Washington’s exceptionalism and his role in defining both America’s sense of nationhood and its then-novel form of government.

Washington’s family situation was critical in understanding how his character was formed. A young George Washington grew up in the shadow of his older stepbrother, who inherited the family wealth and was educated in England — whereas George had only eight years of education. More importantly, the older brother became an officer in the regular British army, an appointment that eluded George even as, at age 22, he led an expedition into the remote and dangerous Ohio Valley to confront the French and Indian tribes there.

Washington wrote an account of the 1753 mission which was published in London. He impressed British General Braddock who promised to support a regular commission in the British army for Washington. But Braddock was killed in 1755. Washington at age 23 was put in charge of Virginia’s war effort but was given inadequate resources and as a result Indians threatened the Shenandoah Valley for the next three years.

At age 26, Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Custis, thus carrying him into the ranks of Virginia’s property owning elite. Washington was an hands-on landowner, experimenting with crop rotation and other advanced agricultural methods. He also invested in Western land, a risky decision given London’s lukewarm support for western expansion.

As the Thirteen Colonies drifted to war, no colonist had more battle experience than George Washington. Moreover, at 6’ 3” he looked and dressed like a commander. And remarkably, as a Virginian, he saw the conflict from the standpoint of the colonies as a whole. It was Washington who early in the conflict faced off against the British outside Boston and who led the army from that point on.

Washington had the remarkable ability to sustain support from the Continental Congress, his troops, and a significant portion of the population — no easy accomplishment given his win-loss record against the British. As Rhodehamel notes, in the first two years of the war, he had won only two little surprise attacks on Trenton and Princeton, battles against outposts, not against the main enemy army. The British had beaten Washington at Long Island, Manhattan, White Plains, Brandywine, and Germantown. The battle of Monmouth was a draw.

One is struck by the parallels with American involvement in the Vietnam War. It was possible for the British to hold urban centers but not the countryside. Thus in the winter of 1777-1778, the British held Boston and New York and captured Philadelphia forcing Congress to flee. But the British were getting discouraged and had difficulty maintaining morale. As many as a quarter of the Hessian mercenaries deserted and became Americans, according to the author. By late 1778, the British held only outposts in New York City and Newport, RI, but then pursued a successful southern strategy and captured Savannah and Charleston. In 1780 Cornwallis invaded Virginia, which set up the decisive British surrender at Saratoga in 1781 and the peace treaty in 1783 which recognized American independence.

Washington did not have a significant role in drafting the Constitution, but he was the glue that held together 13 independent-minded colonies and helped push ratification forward. One cannot then underestimate the importance of his role in defining the office of President of the United States. This influence was key to the success of the new nation.

War with England had been economically damaging to his estate and Washington was so broke that he had to borrow 600 pounds to travel to New York to be inaugurated.

Unlike Jefferson, George Washington recognized the future of cities and industrial competitiveness, the need for a strong national government, and the critical importance of good national credit ratings. He thus was in many ways a closet Federalist, favoring Hamilton over Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe.

Those who have read other biographies of George Washington will find this slim volume to be beautifully written and enlightening. It’s roughly one quarter of the length of Ron Chernow’s biography of Washington, for example. Readers will find both books to be worthwhile and will learn something from each.

[Hugh Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Rhodehamel, a curator of the Huntington Library and a former archivist at Mount Vernon, presents a brief but compelling biography of “America’s preeminent founding father.” As a younger son of a second marriage, Washington was denied the status of his older half brothers: inherited wealth, education in England, social position. He did, however, possess physical, mental, and moral strength, as well as a majestic aura of confidence. These attributes attracted powerful mentors who provided unusual opportunities for him to achieve his ambition: “a lasting reputation as a man of honor.” One thing led to another, and at twenty-two he was in command of the Virginia Regiment. He quickly rose to the rank of colonel and led the Virginia militia in support of the British in the French and Indian War. He then left the military, married a wealthy widow, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and assumed the life of a country gentleman. When Washington was among the first to take up the cause for independence, his military experience and charisma marked him as the obvious choice to lead the Continental Army. He accepted leadership, realizing that success in the American cause would bring him “as much immortality as fame can give.” He served as Commander-in-Chief for eight years without a day off, miraculously surviving enemy fire in the heat of battle, and suffering with his troops through frozen winters. His choices for subordinate leadership were brilliant – based upon merit rather than social position or friendship. Even though his military decisions brought mixed results, he was the indispensible leader. After the war, Washington presided over the convention selected to write the constitution. His leadership forced the delegates to compromise and complete a document. Finally he reluctantly served as our first President. He expected a “deferential society in which gentlemen would govern.” Instead he was forced to moderate between two bitter and uncompromising factions: one led by Hamilton that supported a strong federal government, and the other led by Jefferson that argued for state’s rights and the interests of the common man. Without his leadership, the fragile union might not have survived. Washington expressed his thoughts for the future of the republic in his farewell address, originally written for the end of his first term, but delayed when he was forced to accept a second term. His thoughts are as relevant today as they were when written. (Unfortunately, Mr. Rhodehamel does not include the Farewell Address as an appendix, but it is easily available on the Internet.) One bit of advice from Washington is ignored by America’s secularists: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports... reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

[Sanjuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read quite a bit on Washington, but I'd place this as one of the better books on his life. Rhodehamel demonstrates aptly that Washington's own life and interests were tied inextricably to the needs and interests of the U.S., making it all the more coincidental and necessary that he be the father of the country. The author does well to cut through the myth, and make way through some of the more puzzling aspects of Washington's actions. He shows Washington to be a principled man of simple truths who wanted nothing more than for the fledgling American union to succeed.

It should be noted that this book is not a very exhaustive approach to Washington's life. It says very little about his marriage or role as a step-father, and nothing about his masonry or the controversies surrounding his faith. The book settles upon his military career and the very basic elements of his presidency. But the book is a brisk and very well written approach to these key areas.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of George Washington, written by a Mount Vernon-based historian. The author describes how George Washington fit into his time period, and how he was a self-made man in many ways, in an American society that was moving away from judging people by the accidents of their birth. The author explains the many challenges that Washington faced early in life, and how he sought to address them. The author focuses on Washington as a politician, rather than mostly as a soldier, and provides significant insight into Washington's time as president, and how he was involved in factional political struggles of the time. The book indicates that Washington became more sympathetic with the northern part of the United States, and sought to promote Alexander Hamilton's more cosmopolitan ideas, over time, and came to reject much of the Virginia Tidewater aristocracy and its values. Excellent introduction to the father of our country.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Were this the first time I'd read of George Washington I would likely have given this book a fifth star - it really is very good. Enogh that I may have to investigate other Rhodehamel works to verify my positive outlook on this one. We learn a bit of the Washington genealogy, much of his young adulthood, a good deal without being exhaustive of his Revolutionary War performance, his nation building Presidency, and his post-presidential years. This work ought to be required reading if one only reads one Washington book.

[Susan Hylton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was Curious about Washington, his mother was a Ball. My grandfather, born in the late 1800’s, his mother was also a Ball. I heard all my life that he was a cousin. So I was curious about this illustrious distant relative. This biography, the most recently published one, is my first. The author has a nice style, neither admiring nor critical, tells enough detail to keep one’s interest but moves the story along briskly. My conclusion? This was a man with great courage, ideals and self discipline. He was also thin skinned and flawed. I liked him.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into the history of our first president beyond just pop culture and elementary school knowledge. Rhodehamel provides a well supported timeline that traces the development of Washington in the context of his family, time in the military, and as our nations leader. While dismissive of critics of the president throughout much of the book, it didn’t feel ~too~ glorifying of an account considering Washington’s nature and the environment he found himself in.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhodehamel does an excellent job at painting George Washington: the general, president, and human. Many biographers seemingly fail to go past the surface on the “colossus” Washington, but Rhodehamel has given me great insight into what exactly made the most famous person in our country tick. He offers often untold stories of GW and quotes from his contemporaries that paint an engaging narrative of Washington’s life—AND in only 304 pages!

[Olivia Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried, based on the title, that the author would see Washington only in a positive light (even though that would bore most readers). Instead, I found a nice relatively brief overview of Washington's life, both failures and successes, that helped non-historian me have a better understanding of our first president as well as several key historical periods that occurred during his life (French and Indian war, the revolution, etc).

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to be all over the place even though it was linear. At one point, after the Revolutionary War Washington was back in Martha's Vineyard and going about business and I was just kind of lost and I didn;t know if I had already heard the part about him being President or if this was just about the years before Presidency. But no, I just didnt follow with all the little tangents.

So, maybe it was me.

[Maartje Volder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story tries hard to have a good mix of facts and Washington as a person and it succeeds throughout most of the book. The speed that the book had during the man's presidency is a bit too fast for my taste and lacks what Washington was actually doing (more about what other people we've fighting about and how he reacted)

[Sko Buffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the best book I have read this year. What a man. The book tears back the facade that we all learned and tells us about the man, good and not so good. In reading the part where he was POTUS, it is a wonder that we still have a Republic, especially when you look at the incompetent bureaucrats who have been POTUS (Clinton, Bush I&II, Obama, Biden.)

In any event, a fantastic book.

[Jon Scott-sheldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this biography of George Washington. Based on the subtitle of the book, I was expecting another hagiography of Washington, and it was not that. I would categorize this a serviceable biography, that hits on all the expected, and well trod, details of Washington’s life and presidency.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skipped ahead to Washington's presidency, and listened from that until the end, as that period of Washington's life I was interested in. I can't really write a full review, but I did find it engaging and interesting. Of course the author had to leave a lot out when writing a one volume biography about a man who lived such an eventful life.

[William Kittelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it for the details of the period. Also, it was interesting to see that Washington was not infallible. In fact, I believe were it not for the invisible hand of Providence we could easily still be British subjects.

All in all, an easy, enjoyable read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't believe how much I didn't know about GW before I read this book. I felt so frustrated at my whole education after reading this.

Loved this book though. I learned a lot, and it provided a refreshing perspective, making this god-like figure more of a man.

[Billie Cotterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and readable biography. The author obviously like Washington, but is also aware of his faults as well as the inability for Washington's biographers to get a clear or "pure" life of the general and president. Highly recommended.

[Rowena Abdul Razak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and concise book on Washington’s political and military life, focusing generously on the post-independence era of his presidency. Deeply complex character - this book paints Washington in all his human (and mythical) colours.

[Yosef Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introductory biography of George Washington. It summarizes the major time periods and key decisions in his life and times.

[Kevin Riner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener

You only learn the little things about George Washington in school. This book brought to life a clearer understanding of who Washington truly was.

[Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, clear and concise writing that depicts Washington and the events surrounding the American Revolution well. Not too difficult of a read but very difficult to put down.

[云 · Rating 5 out of 5]

就像是這陣子（前陣子？）看的幾本美國開國史中關於華盛頓的部分的敘述，的綜合。整體看下來其實和我的認知中建立起的GW的形象是相符的嗯。
……所以就看完了（耶

[Mike Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me wanting more...time to turn to Chernow.