First Among Men: George Washington and the Myth of American Masculinity

by Maurizio Valsania

Dispelling common myths about the first US president and revealing the real George Washington.

George Washington―hero of the French and Indian War, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and first president of the United States―died on December 14, 1799. The myth-making began immediately thereafter, and the Washington mythos crafted after his death remains largely intact. But what do we really know about Washington as an upper-class man?

Washington is frequently portrayed by his biographers as America at its unflinching best: tall, shrewd, determined, resilient, stalwart, and tremendously effective in action. But this aggressive and muscular version of Washington is largely a creation of the nineteenth century. Eighteenth-century ideals of upper-class masculinity would have preferred a man with refined aesthetic tastes, graceful and elegant movements, and the ability and willingness to clearly articulate his emotions. At the same time, these eighteenth-century men subjected themselves to intense hardship and inflicted incredible amounts of violence on each other, their families, their neighbors, and the people they enslaved. In First Among Men: George Washington and the Myth of American Masculinity, Valsania considers Washington's complexity and apparent contradictions in three main areas: his physical life (often bloody, cold, injured, muddy, or otherwise unpleasant), his emotional world (sentimental, loving, and affectionate), and his social persona (carefully constructed and maintained). In each, he notes, the reality diverges from the legend quite drastically. Ultimately, Valsania challenges readers to reconsider what they think they know about Washington.

Aided by new research, documents, and objects that have only recently come to light, First Among Men tells the fascinating story of a living and breathing person who loved, suffered, moved, gestured, dressed, ate, drank, and had sex in ways that may be surprising to many Americans. In this accessible, detailed narrative, Valsania presents a full, complete portrait of Washington as readers have rarely seen him before: as a man, a son, a father, and a friend.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, American Revolution, Politics, Historical, War

408 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Darrell Keller · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the hit piece you knew it was going to be. It was weaved through and through with the author's virtue signaling and down-the-nose condescension. Even beginning year undergrad students know not to commit the very historical malpractice Valsania constantly commits with his 21st century judgments against political figures of the 18th century.

This book was written for one audience and one audience only: Valsania's fellow inmates in the ivory tower. As far as biographical surveys go, you would do much better sticking with Ron Chernow and leave this book for the ash heap.

Two stars for covering the theatrical world of the 18th century, but just barely...

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Washington, the man, not the general and president. A refreshing biography that discusses personal details of his life, including his clothes, health problems, physical body, personality, sex life and treatment of his slaves etc. (More needed on that). Author redefines masculinity in these terms, as Washington represents the significant 18th century American masculine Man with perhaps feminine, softer aspects. In love with Lafayette? Possibly. I recommend it, even if you have no interest in early American history.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically enjoy reading history books but unfortunately not this one. The level of detail was both impressive and maddening. Simple points such as Washington's penchant for writing love letters were belabored to the point of tedium. It was also disappointing that the advance copy (softcover) was released without the pictures included. On a positive note, I learned some new things about Washington that one would not find in history books, and those who have a yearning to know more about the man will get an eyeful in this book. {J}

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have some curiosity about 'dress' in addition to history and the man Washington, then it's likely a 5 read. Otherwise, maybe a 4.

Valsania writes an interesting story detailing the many sides of Washington - private, public, military, political, awareness of class, style, character, upbringing, myths, slave-owner, hero, compassionate general, ruthless officer.

He also does a good job of explaining to the reader the norms, customs, biases, and science of the 18th century so that we better interpret W. letters and actions. An example is the flowery speech and letter writing that was the norm at the time. Valsania explains that other historians have made bad speculations of love affairs (both male and female) because they didn't understand the manners of showing affection or that flirtatious letter writing was acceptable and viewed as creative and a sign of education and culture.

Very little about W. the president other than confirming that he was likely the only one who could have led the country for 8 years as it struggled to find the union acceptable to all the 13 states and founding fathers.

Good description of what it meant to be 'masculine' back then, what 'talents' came natural to W. and what he worked hard on to meet the norms of the ruling elite of the time. W. recognized that he was not a member of the elite (and never would be) but that his work ethic and natural talents would enable him to be respected highly by all.

He was a good dancer and clothes (appearance) were always important to him.

[Scott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) Found myself getting into this book more than I expected. It is a bio of Washington, but instead of focusing on his life and actions, it looks more at the physical man, his environment and just how exactly he would have lived. As Washington holds such a mythical place in society, many have altered his physical stature to match the myth. However, what we are able to determine is that perhaps Washington wasn’t quite the man we picture him, but more a man of his time. Tall, certainly, but just how tall? Also, was it possible that he was likely sunken chest? Probably didn’t have the “guns” like that statue in the American History Museum shows.

The work also discusses the legendary “thighs”, as well as likely relations he had with his wife and how Washington’s appearance would be in relation to the environment he lived and worked in. It is a different take, but a far better perspective than I thought it would be. Worth the read for those who have read the other works that cover the well-worn turf of Washington’s life and actions as military and political leader.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at our first president by examining what we know of him personally in the explained context of mores and customs of the 18th Century. I see many reviews accusing this as some kind of "woke" analysis which rather misses the point of how much portrayal and understanding of masculinity has changed over nearly three centuries. From dance styles like the cotillion to Washington's evolving opinion on slavery there is a wide array of details life of the time. One new word I learned was "abortifacient"—medicine consistently blocking implantation, but not always preventing pregnancy. Such abortifacients were used by Martha Washington as contraception, it seems, and are explored here as one of possible reasons George and Martha had no progreny.

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing to say the least. It was a book that took little fact and tied it together with an over abundance of conjecture. There was no difficulty in understanding what the author wanted his readers to feel about the subject—because he beat it like a dead horse. I learned a little with some little known facts, and I learned the authors opinion on all things. I wasn’t interested in the authors opinion.

[Robert Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that gives a view of GW in his time with his contemporaries. Many authors write about GW with modern views without considering what life was like in Washington’s time. He humanizes Washington without reducing him. Reading this book gave a needed view of GW as the man loved and adored by so many.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different look at the man and what made him the way he was. This text presents a different way at how George Washington acted and treated others in his circle of influence throughout his life. Worth the read just for the different view point if nothing else.

[Lynsea Montanari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected and yet I was pleasantly surprised by it. I learned so many interesting fun facts to share, including one that in my head busted open a big plot hole in Hamilton. Would recommend I’ve had so many wonderful conversations because of it.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you didn't know that you really wanted to know. Interesting, often humorous, shocking, and full of ah-ha's. A bit of a different take on a well-worn subject.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always curious to see how the historical truths are mythologized over time.

[Puddles Meo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washington perfectly suited the era he lived in. He embodies the essence of being the first American or the prototype American representing his state. I found this book a delight from the minute I started reading. The analysis of Washington, the man, as he lived in different phases, was excellent. It draws on what life was really like in the 18th century and the reality of leading a new country.

The writing is exquisite, simple, and felt as if the author was actually talking directly to me. For a professor not native to the English language and living in Italy, I found this book engaging in Washington’s life. The author provided a comprehensive record of all individuals in Washington's life and their impact on him. Having a complete picture of events and the people involved is advantageous for the reader. I urge everyone to read this analysis to grasp the distinction between George Washington, the man, and the myth.

[M Shomaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting analysis of Washington's "person" in terms of his physicality, emotional and romantic lives, and personal code and manners. This is a follow-up to the author's work situating Jefferson in the world of material culture and cultural history.