The Unexpected George Washington: His Private Life

by Harlow Giles Unger

Advance Praise for The Unexpected George Washington ""This is a biography that unquestionably lives up to its title. Readers will discover numerous, often touching traits that they never knew about the Father of the Country. Harlow Unger has written a one-of-a-kind book that will please and fascinate everyone.""
—Thomas Fleming, author Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge ""It's hard to imagine George Washington as playful, tender, or funny. But Harlow Unger searches to find these seldom-seen aspects of the private man, and the result is a far more complete and believable founding father.""
— James C. Rees, Executive Director, Historic Mount Vernon Acclaim for Lafayette ""Harlow Unger has cornered the market on muses to emerge as America's most readable historian. His new biography of the Marquis de Lafayette combines a thoroughgoing account of the age of revolution, a probing psychological study of a complex man, and a literary style that goes down like cream.""
—Florence King, contributing editor, National Review ""To American readers Unger's biography will provide a stark reminder of just how near run a thing was our War of Independence and the degree to which our forefathers' victory hinged on the help of our French allies, marshalled for George Washington by his 'adopted' son, Lafayette.""
—Larry Collins, coauthor, Is Paris Burning? and O Jerusalem! ""An admirable account of his [Lafayette's] life and extraordinary career on both sides of the Atlantic.""
— The Sunday Telegraph (London)

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

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2006

About the author

Harlow Giles Unger is an American author, historian, journalist, broadcaster, and educator known for his extensive work on American history and education. Educated at the Taft School, Yale College, and California State University, Unger began his career as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune Overseas News Service in Paris. He later wrote for newspapers and magazines across Britain, Canada, and other countries, while also working in radio broadcasting and teaching English and journalism at New York-area colleges.
Unger has written over twenty-seven books, including ten biographies of America's Founding Fathers and a notable biography of Henry Clay. His historical works include Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot, The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation’s Call to Greatness, and First Founding Father: Richard Henry Lee and the Call to Independence. He is also the author of the Encyclopedia of American Education, a three-volume reference work.
A former Distinguished Visiting Fellow in American History at Mount Vernon, Unger has lived in Paris and currently resides in New York City. An avid skier and horseman, he has spent time in Chamonix, France, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has one son, Richard C. Unger.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the stories that we hear about George Washington are about his military successes, presidency, and untrue cutting down of a cherry tree. This book takes a look at his often-forgotten, private life. George’s father passed away early in his life, he was part of a few disastrous battles at the beginning of the French and Indian War, and he married a wealthy widow named Martha Custis. Much of George’s attention focused on maintaining his plantation at Mount Vernon. He was unable to have children, but Martha had two surviving children from her previous marriage. George helped to raise Patcy Custis, until she died during an epileptic seizure late in her teens. The underachieving Jacky Custis was a civilian observer at the battle of Yorktown, he caught camp fever and died, and he left the Washingtons with four grandchildren. Thus, George Washington’s life often revolved around raising his step grandchildren and other extended relatives that were in need.
Although George Washington had no previous military success, he was appointed as the commanding general of the Continental army. He all but adopted as the sons that he had wished to have had, the three, younger men that served right below him. One of them was Marquis de LaFayette, the Frenchman who had volunteered his services to the revolutionary cause. Their friendship would last through the rest of their lives, and George helped to take care of Marquis’ son, during the French revolution.
After the war, George promised Martha that his public life was over. It was a promise that he would soon break. Although he never even ran for the office, he was elected president. After his first term in a largely ceremonial role, he wanted to retire. However, he was elected again, so he completed a second term. Martha wasn’t happy during her First Lady years, and she longed to return to Mount Vernon.
American neutrality during British and French warring pleased neither of the European powers. Not long after George Washington’s second term, America was on the brink of war with France. France had seized 800 American ships, and they had executed and/or imprisoned their crews. George briefly went into public life to raise an army. Tensions soon died down, and Martha was pleased that he went back to retirement.
In December of 1799, George rode across Mount Vernon in the cold. He caught pneumonia. The combination of pneumonia, the doctors’ administering of substances now known to be toxic, and excessive bleeding led to his quick and unexpected death.

[William Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explaining "unexpected"?

How does one explain the title of Unger’s book? I believe Unger’s hope was that, in 2006 when the book was published, not many would know the numerous interesting personal aspects of George Washington’s life. However, as I write this short review, I detect that a number of similar books were either just coming out or would come out. That said, Unger has a wonderful storytelling style that packs in all sorts of intriguing information. For instance, he explains quite a bit about Washington as the entrepreneurial farmer. In addition, he mentions that the 1793 yellow fever epidemic (aka “the American Plague”) may have saved our young nation and Washington himself, as it dispersed the French-favoring mobs roaming Philadelphia searching for Washington’s head, as he had proclaimed America neutral in the French Revolutionary Wars between England and France. This, together with the fact I discovered elsewhere that British General Cornwallis’ forces were significantly diminished by malaria, might sardonically make the mosquito an alternate candidate to the bald eagle for the symbol of the United States. Unger also claims Washington was 6 foot 3 and Lafayette was 6 foot 4. I can’t tell where he got this information. Most information says Washington was 6 foot 2 (even with Washington's undertaker claiming 6 foot 3.5 inches -- with presumably pointed toes), still allowing 6 foot 4 French Admiral de Grasse to call Washington “mon petite general.” I don’t recall Unger discussing Lafayette’s exact height in his earlier book “Lafayette,” and most sketches/paintings at the time would yield Lafayette’s height being somewhere between 5 foot 10 and 6 foot 1. My own estimate for Lafayette’s height, mentioned in my book “George Washington’s Liberty Key,” is 5 foot 11. Bottom line, I "expect" I found the book a great read.

[Stephen Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his introduction, the author sets up the story to come, and he then delivers as promised: This is not your typical biography of George Washington. The author focuses on the personal experiences of the man, and what we all know about - his failed early brushes at combat; his trial-by-error leadership of the American military in the Revolutionary War; his eight years as our first president - all of this is now shared as the backdrop to what he is going through personally; in terms of his friendships, his desires, and his familial relationships. I recommend this book, as it personalizes the man we think of as the stoic figure on our one dollar bills. . . .

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

One aspect I really liked was how the author provided the modern equivalent for the money amounts. George and Martha spent lavishly in their early married life and it was nice to have modern conversion amounts for comparison.

[Janet Loves2Dance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about the first President and what he was like outside of being President.. his family, & pastimes

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books by Harlow Unger, and he never disappoints. So many of us are only familiar with the "marble men" historical icon view of the Founders that we forget that they were ordinary people just as we are. That they accomplished great feats, there is no doubt. I appreciate knowing the personal, behind the scenes views of their lives, with failings, foibles, and other secrets. It does not reduce them in stature, but it makes these men all the more real.

Unger's book is full of the things that you never knew about Washington, the feelings he had, the compassion and sympathy he exhibited. Unger, is a journalist, and I believe that journalists make the best writers of history. They know how to frame a story, and they write clearly and concisely, unlike many professional historians.

Read this book if you want to know the real Washington.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I had the pleasure of visiting Mount Vernon this last Spring which initiated my interest in reading it. I had know idea the depth and character of George Washington, but was taught at a young age to respect him. Now, to have read his life story, I understand why I was taught to do so. It is a fascinating read about him personally, but more specifically to better understand his role in the forming of a new nation and government. His love for the land and his family was inspiring. He truly put God and Country above his own wishes and desires, something that at times seems to be sorely absent in our current political scene.

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was a bit glum that Washington was just a man with proclivities that many of the rest of us have, desires for wealth, excessive spending, spoiling the children... but the truth is he was remarkable. Knowing that he was able to make such an impact on the world while still being a mortal turns out to be a comforting thought.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was interesting. I have a challenge from a family member to read a book on each president.
There were some interesting facts on Washington's spending habits that were detailed. I would recommend reading as is was a good easy read for a trip in to our country's forefathers.

[Grumpus · Rating 4 out of 5]

George's life through personal letters. I've read a lot about Washington but this was different with new information in the form of his correspondance that I had not seen before.

[Eklundthree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was the best biography of George Washington.