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Washington: An Abridgment by Richard Harwell of the Seven-Volume George Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman
An abridgement in one volume by Richard Barksdale Harwell.
780 pages, Hardback
First published January 1, 1957
32 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Southall Freeman
234 books91 followersThe son of a Confederate veteran, Douglas Southall Freeman was long interested in the Civil War. A man of intense work ethic, he earned his PhD at 22, then balanced a journalist's demanding schedule with a historian's, as he churned out Lee's Dispatches (1915), the Pulitzer-Prize-winning four-volume R. E. Lee: A Biography (1934-35), Lee's Lieutenants: A Study in Command (1942-44), and finally, the multi-volume George Washington (1948-54). A respected historian, renown for his research, he garnered fame in his native Virginia and the friendship of major military figures.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 30, 2020
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Richard Harwell’s abridgment of Douglas Southall Freeman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 7-volume series on George Washington was published in 1968, fifteen years after Freeman’s death and eleven years after the series was completed by two of Freeman’s associates. Harwell was a librarian and historian who also abridged Freeman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 4-volume series on Robert E. Lee. Harwell died in 1988 at the age of 72.
Freeman’s original series on Washington was published between 1948 and 1957. Comprising seven volumes and about 3,600 pages, this is the most ambitious study of Washington that has been undertaken and compares to Dumas Malone’s series on Thomas Jefferson (1948-1981), Ray Stannard Baker’s series on Woodrow Wilson (1927-1939) and Robert Caro’s ongoing series of Lyndon Johnson (1982-). Given the length of Freeman’s series and the difficulty in obtaining each of the volumes, Harwell’s abridgment is the default choice for most readers seeking access to Freeman’s magisterial work.
While beginning this 754-page abridgment I also read much of the first volume of the series in order to understand the magnitude of Harwell’s task and measure his success. Immediately obvious is that while the first volume alone includes helpful chapter titles, numerous maps and illustrations and nearly 2,700 footnotes, Harwell’s abridgment contains no titles, no footnotes, no bibliography and proportionately fewer maps and illustrations. To his credit, however, Harwell’s narrative does seem to retain much of Freeman’s literary voice.
The paperback version of Richard Harwell’s abridgment I read contains an interesting Introduction by Michael Kammen as well as an insightful Editor’s Note by Harwell. The first volume of the underlying series, however, contains an even more compelling and lengthy introductory note by Freeman himself.
There is much to be admired about Harwell’s effort to economize Freeman’s series though some of the abridgment’s strengths undoubtedly reflect merits retained from the original volumes. But evaluating an abridgment is not the same as appraising the work from which it stems. And readers of this condensation will undoubtedly uncover many of the same flaws (whether unique to Harwell or carried over from the series) which I observed.
While this biography is an excellent review of Washington’s life and times – of events which happened in his immediate vicinity – it is not particularly useful in understanding the broader context of the era, the social scene or even Washington himself. Very little in these 25 chapters will provide the reader insight into his family life, much less his inner-self or his way of perceiving the world. The stone-faced hero remains enigmatic to the very end.
The facts-only style of the original series has been rigidly preserved as well, leaving the casual reader at extraordinary risk of becoming lost in a blizzard of detail within a narrative that generally lacks foreshadowing (in advance of important stretches) or concluding thoughts (to underscore salient points). Critical characters are rarely well-introduced and remain two-dimensional shadows; readers familiar with Adams, Hamilton and Jefferson will be hard pressed to find their vibrant personalities here.
The writing style is often clever and articulate, but also feels dated, stiff and dense with very little vibrancy or color. The biography’s best moments (such as Washington’s early months as Commander of the Continental Army or the crossing of the Delaware River and ensuing Battle of Trenton) are very good. But, more often than not, the narrative possesses the charm of a tax audit. Finally, serious history enthusiasts will find the lack of notes and bibliography unacceptable.
Overall, Richard Harwell’s abridgment provides its audience with a seemingly faithful and remarkably efficient summary of Douglas Southall Freeman’s groundbreaking series on George Washington. Harwell’s condensation is both impressive in aim and admirable in outcome. But it is of little use to the serious historian/scholar and most readers will find it disappointing compared to the very best biographies of George Washington.
Overall rating: 3 stars
Richard Harwell’s abridgment of Douglas Southall Freeman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 7-volume series on George Washington was published in 1968, fifteen years after Freeman’s death and eleven years after the series was completed by two of Freeman’s associates. Harwell was a librarian and historian who also abridged Freeman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 4-volume series on Robert E. Lee. Harwell died in 1988 at the age of 72.
Freeman’s original series on Washington was published between 1948 and 1957. Comprising seven volumes and about 3,600 pages, this is the most ambitious study of Washington that has been undertaken and compares to Dumas Malone’s series on Thomas Jefferson (1948-1981), Ray Stannard Baker’s series on Woodrow Wilson (1927-1939) and Robert Caro’s ongoing series of Lyndon Johnson (1982-). Given the length of Freeman’s series and the difficulty in obtaining each of the volumes, Harwell’s abridgment is the default choice for most readers seeking access to Freeman’s magisterial work.
While beginning this 754-page abridgment I also read much of the first volume of the series in order to understand the magnitude of Harwell’s task and measure his success. Immediately obvious is that while the first volume alone includes helpful chapter titles, numerous maps and illustrations and nearly 2,700 footnotes, Harwell’s abridgment contains no titles, no footnotes, no bibliography and proportionately fewer maps and illustrations. To his credit, however, Harwell’s narrative does seem to retain much of Freeman’s literary voice.
The paperback version of Richard Harwell’s abridgment I read contains an interesting Introduction by Michael Kammen as well as an insightful Editor’s Note by Harwell. The first volume of the underlying series, however, contains an even more compelling and lengthy introductory note by Freeman himself.
There is much to be admired about Harwell’s effort to economize Freeman’s series though some of the abridgment’s strengths undoubtedly reflect merits retained from the original volumes. But evaluating an abridgment is not the same as appraising the work from which it stems. And readers of this condensation will undoubtedly uncover many of the same flaws (whether unique to Harwell or carried over from the series) which I observed.
While this biography is an excellent review of Washington’s life and times – of events which happened in his immediate vicinity – it is not particularly useful in understanding the broader context of the era, the social scene or even Washington himself. Very little in these 25 chapters will provide the reader insight into his family life, much less his inner-self or his way of perceiving the world. The stone-faced hero remains enigmatic to the very end.
The facts-only style of the original series has been rigidly preserved as well, leaving the casual reader at extraordinary risk of becoming lost in a blizzard of detail within a narrative that generally lacks foreshadowing (in advance of important stretches) or concluding thoughts (to underscore salient points). Critical characters are rarely well-introduced and remain two-dimensional shadows; readers familiar with Adams, Hamilton and Jefferson will be hard pressed to find their vibrant personalities here.
The writing style is often clever and articulate, but also feels dated, stiff and dense with very little vibrancy or color. The biography’s best moments (such as Washington’s early months as Commander of the Continental Army or the crossing of the Delaware River and ensuing Battle of Trenton) are very good. But, more often than not, the narrative possesses the charm of a tax audit. Finally, serious history enthusiasts will find the lack of notes and bibliography unacceptable.
Overall, Richard Harwell’s abridgment provides its audience with a seemingly faithful and remarkably efficient summary of Douglas Southall Freeman’s groundbreaking series on George Washington. Harwell’s condensation is both impressive in aim and admirable in outcome. But it is of little use to the serious historian/scholar and most readers will find it disappointing compared to the very best biographies of George Washington.
Overall rating: 3 stars
May 21, 2013
I finished reading this book while I was simultaneously reading the unabridged 7 volume series that this book is an abridgment of and once again I am finding the value of abridged works to be utterly lacking except for the need to introduce great works to the minds of those not disciplined enough to undertake the full endeavor.
Freeman is a first rate historian, and I refuse to let my disdain for abridged works tarnish the rating of a book his name is attached to, but I urge potential readers to take the plunge and read the complete series. It is hard to purchase as it is in limited enough supply and high enough demand to be rather expensive, but most libraries can have it brought in and it won't cost you a cent.
Freeman is a first rate historian, and I refuse to let my disdain for abridged works tarnish the rating of a book his name is attached to, but I urge potential readers to take the plunge and read the complete series. It is hard to purchase as it is in limited enough supply and high enough demand to be rather expensive, but most libraries can have it brought in and it won't cost you a cent.
November 23, 2015
I'm about 3/4 through this book (Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman) and it has been a fascinating ride! The only reason I'm not finished yet is that I went off and left it behind on one of my recent trips, so I must get it back to finish. But I know that I will be able to continue right from where I left off and be just as absorbed. In the beginning, the writer's style comes across as a little stilted, but it doesn't matter. Nothing can diminish this quality work. I believe that one of the things books do for us, and one of the things authors must strive for, is to open our eyes and minds to worlds that we will never encounter. Sounds easy to do, but as an author myself, I know it is not! So for this author to be able to make me truly identify with the Colonists who came here with almost nothing (considering that few of us have ever been in exactly that position), is quite a special thing. As I read this book I find myself wondering if I'd be strong enough to stick out 8 years of war knowing that there will be no ship arriving from England or anywhere else with staples, food, clothing, etc...the Colonists were completely on their own. If you want to eat it, you have to GROW it. THe hardships they endured are almost mind boggling. Imagine living at a time with no hygiene as we know it, no antibiotics, no anesthesia. No dental care--Washington had wooden teeth as he got older--they are still on display at the UCLA Dental School. This book took me as close as I'll ever get to the late 18th century and I am a better person for it. That's what a good story does for a reader. Doesn't have to be a "serious" work or what one might call "literature." It's the world the author creates for us--we learn things, experience situations as if we were there, and we are better for it. In this case, I began with Washington, intending to read the biographies of each U.S. President, and I'm just getting started. But whether you want to tackle them all or just one, this one is the one to choose.
November 8, 2009
A very long in-depth look at Washington's entire life with no stone left unturned. My respect for the great patriot has done nothing but increase over the past few weeks as I've read this book. I'm left wondering what the world would be like if all Americans accepted and executed their duty with the same vigour, zeal and honour that Washington always found.
July 5, 2023
Another enjoyable medieval read by Ms. Le Veque, who introduces new characters, but also brings back the ones from previous novels. Weaving a tale of what ifs, Ms. Le Veque introduces a child born of royalty from 2 countries, but cannot claim either. Tristan is a warrior, strong and noble, but does not know of his true lineage until recently. Life has not been easy for Tristan, for his worth has been in his fighting abilities and strategies. Andie has been on the run because of her own heritage, a pawn to be used, but no longer. She chooses to take control of her own destiny. When they meet, Andie needs a place to stay and Tristan needs someone to run the keep. Neither have any desire for a throne, but are hunted because of their heritage. They must find a way to keep what they have without causing suspicion to those in power. They have a fight on their hands, but have the strength of kings on their side. I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2021
This is a condensed version of Freeman's 7 volume work for which he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
This version has edited out the footnotes and some content. Freeman's research of Washington is unequaled. However, it is not easy to read. You do not get Chernow's Hamilton where it reads often like a novel. This is serious research and provides the facts. There is no analysis or impact statement in the books. Freeman died before Volume 7 was completed and it does not discuss the impact of Washington. The book ends with his death but does not discuss his legacy. This book is for serious historians only.
This version has edited out the footnotes and some content. Freeman's research of Washington is unequaled. However, it is not easy to read. You do not get Chernow's Hamilton where it reads often like a novel. This is serious research and provides the facts. There is no analysis or impact statement in the books. Freeman died before Volume 7 was completed and it does not discuss the impact of Washington. The book ends with his death but does not discuss his legacy. This book is for serious historians only.
February 13, 2023
If you’re looking for a holistic book on Washington, this is not the book for you. Douglas Southall Freeman, while definitely a very influential writer and a great military historian, is willing to ignore or whitewash any criticism surrounding his personal heroes, whether that’s Washington or Lee. With that being said, his overview of the Revolutionary years are very concise and descriptive, and he is very thorough in every detail of Washington’s command. I wish he would have focused more time on his presidential years, but I could fault the abridger for that, since Freeman did write seven volumes and I’m sure went into a lot more detail in those books. If you’ve read a lot of Washington books and want to get a feel for how the historiography/hagiography of Washington scholarship has changed over time, this is a helpful book to read, but certainly not the best I have read.
December 28, 2014
I have also read the excellent relatively recent Washington biographies by Richard Norton Smith and Ron Chernow. Though Freeman began his biography of Washington in the 1940's and Richard Harwell's abridgment is copyright 1968, this work does not suffer any shortcoming in comparison. If major insights in Washington scholarship from the decades following Freeman's death are lacking from this work, I failed to notice.
September 17, 2023
This is the 13th novel of the series. I am sure the previous novels might help explain a few bits and pieces, it can be read as a standalone novel.
Tristan de Royans, or Pat to his friends, has quite the royal bloodline, and caused him to be hidden for most of his life. He was not told of his parentage until he was in his late 30's.
A few years later, given command of Wrexham castle, taken from the Welsh, having had help from other armies of other Executioner Knights, he is finally able to call it his home. However, he is still restless, and keeps himself occupied by working along side his men, even on patrol. On a normal patrol, he and his men stop in a tavern to eat, and they come across a woman working as a tavern wrench being treated poorly by other men. They rescue her, and take her back to the castle. Little did they know, Andromeda/Andie was the granddaughter of an Irish king who had been slain. Hidden in safety for most of her life, she is forced to flee for the safety of her father in the middle of the night, and ends up working in the tavern after her escort deserts her. At the castle, she is reunited with her father, who detests her, feels she shamed her family by working in the tavern and wants her gone. However, Tristan, is instantly smitten, and refuses to let her leave. He knows there are enemies after her. He wants to keep her safe as well as not let her go, so he offers her a position to manage the castle, a high ranking normally held by the wife. Intrigue, traitors, battles, and other things ensue once Andie arrives.
I enjoyed the novel, and it was a sweet love story between the two. While it was a slow growing love, the time was glossed over by skipping weeks at a time to further the story. I consider it sweet because they were shy with each other, telling each other of their growing feelings, and how he wrote poems for her. The poems are horrible, and explained in the beginning of the novel that he writes poems often, but that they are always bad ones. I also really like that the villain is introduced early, and I could see how his story is woven into everything.
I did get confused as to all of the knights who were with Tristan, but I could tell they were characters from previous novels, and knew they weren't vital to the book. It did not detract from the novel. I wish Addax had been given more of a backstory, and had more interactions with Tristan and Andie since he was Tristan's best friend.
I thought the relationship Tristan had with the knight, William de Wolfe, a young and strong knight, who is a bit immature, and hard to handle. Tristan is given the task of becoming a more mature role. He helps William by giving him the security of knowing he will not give up on him and send him away as long as he didn't do anything stupid.
I did not feel this is a medieval romance novel. The H and h did not even meet until half way into the novel. You knew their paths were going to collide, but it took a long time before it happened.
There was one passionate kissing scene, but he would not let her touch him in an intimate way because they were not married or betrothed.
There was also one intimate scene. While mature, the heat level was maybe a 3/5. Maybe? There were no passionate kissing scenes after that.
I would definitely describe this more as a novel filled with intrigue and secrets to unfold, and the main couple happen to fall in love...and marry quickly trying to stop the villains. There is no angst in this. They're happy they need to marry quickly.
I would read this again. This time, I would like to read the previous novels in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tristan de Royans, or Pat to his friends, has quite the royal bloodline, and caused him to be hidden for most of his life. He was not told of his parentage until he was in his late 30's.
A few years later, given command of Wrexham castle, taken from the Welsh, having had help from other armies of other Executioner Knights, he is finally able to call it his home. However, he is still restless, and keeps himself occupied by working along side his men, even on patrol. On a normal patrol, he and his men stop in a tavern to eat, and they come across a woman working as a tavern wrench being treated poorly by other men. They rescue her, and take her back to the castle. Little did they know, Andromeda/Andie was the granddaughter of an Irish king who had been slain. Hidden in safety for most of her life, she is forced to flee for the safety of her father in the middle of the night, and ends up working in the tavern after her escort deserts her. At the castle, she is reunited with her father, who detests her, feels she shamed her family by working in the tavern and wants her gone. However, Tristan, is instantly smitten, and refuses to let her leave. He knows there are enemies after her. He wants to keep her safe as well as not let her go, so he offers her a position to manage the castle, a high ranking normally held by the wife. Intrigue, traitors, battles, and other things ensue once Andie arrives.
I enjoyed the novel, and it was a sweet love story between the two. While it was a slow growing love, the time was glossed over by skipping weeks at a time to further the story. I consider it sweet because they were shy with each other, telling each other of their growing feelings, and how he wrote poems for her. The poems are horrible, and explained in the beginning of the novel that he writes poems often, but that they are always bad ones. I also really like that the villain is introduced early, and I could see how his story is woven into everything.
I did get confused as to all of the knights who were with Tristan, but I could tell they were characters from previous novels, and knew they weren't vital to the book. It did not detract from the novel. I wish Addax had been given more of a backstory, and had more interactions with Tristan and Andie since he was Tristan's best friend.
I thought the relationship Tristan had with the knight, William de Wolfe, a young and strong knight, who is a bit immature, and hard to handle. Tristan is given the task of becoming a more mature role. He helps William by giving him the security of knowing he will not give up on him and send him away as long as he didn't do anything stupid.
I did not feel this is a medieval romance novel. The H and h did not even meet until half way into the novel. You knew their paths were going to collide, but it took a long time before it happened.
There was one passionate kissing scene, but he would not let her touch him in an intimate way because they were not married or betrothed.
There was also one intimate scene. While mature, the heat level was maybe a 3/5. Maybe? There were no passionate kissing scenes after that.
I would definitely describe this more as a novel filled with intrigue and secrets to unfold, and the main couple happen to fall in love...and marry quickly trying to stop the villains. There is no angst in this. They're happy they need to marry quickly.
I would read this again. This time, I would like to read the previous novels in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2023
The Crimson Shield, Kathryn le Veque
As a fan of historical romance I am so honored to be part of the ARC crew of the books by Kathryn le Veque!
I finished Crimson Shield, her 152nd publication (!), in 2 days and I have to say it would be lovely if this was another starting novel of one of her “houses” she had built in the Medieval period..
The introduction set the tone of the story. It is the 11th in the (Unholy Trinity) Executioner Knights series and that means blood and gore. But it is also a step back in time to the stories of Juston de Royans, Ajax de Velt etc. The little boy we saw glimpses of his growing in the background into a knight of himself in those stories has finally got his own story.l And what a tale it is. Juston gets to know his true family and background..
The first words in the book are He’s an Executioner Knight with a royal secret that could blow England apart.
She’s the last of the bloodlines from the High Kings of Ireland.. This is a fast paced story.
The love between Tristan and Andromeda (Andi) is almost instant and believable. Tristan a hardcore knight and Andi a spunky lady with a mind of her own and ingenuity.
There is a big surprise for the fans of William de Wolfe, Paris and Kieran! They are back, and 17 and 18 years old…
It is marvelous to see these guys becoming men in this book. A lot of the characters in the KlV books make a cameo appearance.
Just sit back, sip your favorite drink and nibble your favorite snack and read and enjoy the surprise in the end.
Key words: love, war, struggle, history (fictional and real), cameo’s, laughter, cheering, and a great epilogue!
Love and laughter,
Carin
As a fan of historical romance I am so honored to be part of the ARC crew of the books by Kathryn le Veque!
I finished Crimson Shield, her 152nd publication (!), in 2 days and I have to say it would be lovely if this was another starting novel of one of her “houses” she had built in the Medieval period..
The introduction set the tone of the story. It is the 11th in the (Unholy Trinity) Executioner Knights series and that means blood and gore. But it is also a step back in time to the stories of Juston de Royans, Ajax de Velt etc. The little boy we saw glimpses of his growing in the background into a knight of himself in those stories has finally got his own story.l And what a tale it is. Juston gets to know his true family and background..
The first words in the book are He’s an Executioner Knight with a royal secret that could blow England apart.
She’s the last of the bloodlines from the High Kings of Ireland.. This is a fast paced story.
The love between Tristan and Andromeda (Andi) is almost instant and believable. Tristan a hardcore knight and Andi a spunky lady with a mind of her own and ingenuity.
There is a big surprise for the fans of William de Wolfe, Paris and Kieran! They are back, and 17 and 18 years old…
It is marvelous to see these guys becoming men in this book. A lot of the characters in the KlV books make a cameo appearance.
Just sit back, sip your favorite drink and nibble your favorite snack and read and enjoy the surprise in the end.
Key words: love, war, struggle, history (fictional and real), cameo’s, laughter, cheering, and a great epilogue!
Love and laughter,
Carin
July 13, 2023
Tristan and Andromeda are both very unique, they are descendants of kings. This one fact has led both down paths they normally wouldn't have traveled. And when Tristan meets Andi for the first time, it's when she's a tavern maid struggling to stay safe and fed. He brings her to her father, only to have her father openly reject her. He hires her to run his castle and they fall in love. Their love is pure and strong, a true loyal love. But not everything is easy just because they found each other, they have to fight for not only their love, but their lives.
Plus, we have a young William and his cohorts, winner!
I highly recommend and it's easily a 6⭐/5⭐ read.
I just reviewed The Crimson Shield by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheCrimsonShield #NetGalley
Plus, we have a young William and his cohorts, winner!
I highly recommend and it's easily a 6⭐/5⭐ read.
I just reviewed The Crimson Shield by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheCrimsonShield #NetGalley
June 29, 2023
The Crimson Shield
by Kathryn Le Veque
I have read many series, many books by Kathryn Le veque, The executioner Kights had been my favorite.. This book of Tristan was outstanding. He and Andie made a great pair, they both he found out things about themselves they didn't know, There was plenty of danger to go around, bantering between the couple, and 3 legendary knights'from respectable households come to Wrexham for Tristan. Get ready for a great battle and the love of a life time. A can't put down read.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
by Kathryn Le Veque
I have read many series, many books by Kathryn Le veque, The executioner Kights had been my favorite.. This book of Tristan was outstanding. He and Andie made a great pair, they both he found out things about themselves they didn't know, There was plenty of danger to go around, bantering between the couple, and 3 legendary knights'from respectable households come to Wrexham for Tristan. Get ready for a great battle and the love of a life time. A can't put down read.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
December 17, 2017
Very good book. Long (700+pages) but easy to read. A lot of good information.
April 16, 2018
Incredibly detailed. I learned so much about the beginnings of our country from reading this.
Read
July 14, 2020Great book. Truly displays the extraordinary man behind the legend. Its a crying shame our current POTUS (DUMP TRUMP!) doesn't have one drop of the integrity displayed by George Washington.
July 14, 2023
This was a very well-written, entertaining medieval romance. It was sweet,fun, fast-paced and action packed. I enjoyed this medieval romance and will look for more books by this fantastic author.
December 31, 2022
This is the first abridged work that I have ever read and after the experience I must say it will probably be my last. It’s not that the biography is bad, its just that it doesn’t excel at anything in particular.
The advantage of Freeman’s original 7 volume biography is that it is completely exhaustive in every particular instance of Washington’s life. And not only that, but also in the circumstances and environments in which Washington lived. This exhaustion, however, can perhaps come at the price of compelling narrative.
On the other hand, a more accessible and compelling biography from someone like Chernow might skip a lot of the minutiae, but the return is an exciting journey though Washington’s life.
This book seems to capture all of the disadvantages between these two types of biographies without offering much in exchange. If I could go back and reconsider my choice for a biography on Washington, I’d probably go with Chernow.
That being said, there’s no doubt that the reader will learn a lot by reading this book. It covers Washington’s whole life from his early life in Virginia, to the French and Indian War, his time as a planter at Mount Vernon, his command of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his two terms as president, and what little retirement he could enjoy.
I have learned a new appreciation for the man George Washington was and how incredibly important his leadership and example was to the founding of America. Lesser men would have grasped at the power that was given Washington, but he did he best to reduce that power and give it back. Truly remarkable.
The advantage of Freeman’s original 7 volume biography is that it is completely exhaustive in every particular instance of Washington’s life. And not only that, but also in the circumstances and environments in which Washington lived. This exhaustion, however, can perhaps come at the price of compelling narrative.
On the other hand, a more accessible and compelling biography from someone like Chernow might skip a lot of the minutiae, but the return is an exciting journey though Washington’s life.
This book seems to capture all of the disadvantages between these two types of biographies without offering much in exchange. If I could go back and reconsider my choice for a biography on Washington, I’d probably go with Chernow.
That being said, there’s no doubt that the reader will learn a lot by reading this book. It covers Washington’s whole life from his early life in Virginia, to the French and Indian War, his time as a planter at Mount Vernon, his command of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his two terms as president, and what little retirement he could enjoy.
I have learned a new appreciation for the man George Washington was and how incredibly important his leadership and example was to the founding of America. Lesser men would have grasped at the power that was given Washington, but he did he best to reduce that power and give it back. Truly remarkable.
February 17, 2017
A very detailed account of our First President. The abridged version of the voluminous set by D.S. Freeman was good enough for me and my interest in George Washington. My favorite part of the book was the sections that covered his years as our First General. Anyone interested in George Washington should read this version.
May 26, 2012
I finished the second volume October 29, 2004. The third volume on January 24, 2005. Volume four, March 15, 2005. Volume five, April 16, 2005. Volume six on May 12, 2005. Volume seven on September 26, 2005.
February 8, 2014
The Afterword describes Freeman as exhaustive. He is and this book was. The abridged version was well detailed. I enjoyed learning about Washington. I'm not sure how we ever one the revolution. Interesting read.
April 20, 2008
A shame the compolete biography was not finished. Terrific scholarship and a clear eye for living through the facts.
Read
August 7, 200892W
Read
March 2, 2009973.4 Fre
March 15, 2012
Read most of the unabridged version, a great book and easy to read like Freeman's other books.
July 10, 2014
Mastefull.
Read
April 11, 2010None
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April 29, 2019This multivolume (condensed here into one volume) is the closest thing we have to a definitive account of Washington’s life. Freeman was a fan—there is no doubt about that. He was a Virginian, and he identified with the greatest Virginian in history. It was a labor of love. Freeman was a full-time journalist; he was the editor of a paper in Richmond, VA. Nonetheless, he found time to write seven volumes on Washington. Freeman marshals the facts, but he mainly writes from the perspective that the more we know, the more we’ll understand the great man. If you have the time and leisure, it’s the best way to get to know Washington.
Our understanding of Washington has evolved since the first volume was published in 1948. Freeman wrote in the age of segregation. He didn’t subject the fact that Washington was a slaveholder to the kind of scrutiny that historians do today.
Our understanding of Washington has evolved since the first volume was published in 1948. Freeman wrote in the age of segregation. He didn’t subject the fact that Washington was a slaveholder to the kind of scrutiny that historians do today.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews