Martha Washington: First Lady of Liberty

by Helen Bryan

A contempary anecdote not only confirms that Martha commanded respect in her own right during her lifetime, but also suggests an awkward truth later historians have preferred to ignore-that without Martha and her fortune, George might never have risen to social, military, and political prominence.Toward the end of his life, George Washington, war hero, retired president, and object of universal fame and veneration, was negotiating to purchase a plot of land in the new capital city, to be named in his honor. The seller, an aged veteran of the Revolution, was reluctant to part with the plot, even to so distinguished a purchaser. Washington persisted until the veteran's patience 'You think people take every grist that comes from you as the pure grain. What would you have been if you hadn't married the Widow Custis!'-from the Introduction toMartha First Lady of LibertyFrom the glittering social life of Virginia's wealthiest plantations to the rigors of winter camps during the American Revolution, Martha Washington was a central figure in some of the most important events in American history. Her story is a saga of social conflict, forbidden love affairs, ambiguous wills, mysterious death, heartbreaking loss, and personal and political triumph. Every detail is brought to vivid life in this engaging and astonishing biography of one of the best known, least understood figures in early American life.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Historical, American

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2002

About the author

Helen Bryan is an American-born writer living in London for many years She qualified and practised as a barrister in England before giving up law to concentrate on a biography of fellow Virginian Martha Washington (MARTHA WASHINGTON FIRST LADY OF LIBERTY published by John Wiley in the USA in 2002 which won an Award of Merit from the Colonial Dames of America. WAR BRIDES (published by Penguin Books in the UK in 2007) is Helen's first novel. It features five young women, the war brides of the title, and is a multilayered saga of watime romances, a daring rescue plot, and long delayed revenge. It is now available on Kindle as well as paperback. A second novel, THE SISTERHOOD, will come out soon. Readers feedback and comments are welcome.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written. The hard part was keeping track of who was related to whom and it was made harder because they kept using the same names for different people. They also used nicknames. For example, Martha's daughter was Martha Parke Custis, but was known as Patcy and Martha's granddaughter (by her son) was also name Martha Parke Custis and also known as Patsy. Still a good read if you like history.

[April Kniess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about our "First" lady Washington. I never knew too much about her. The book had so many details that at times it was difficult keeping track of who was who on the family tree. Bothe George and Martha were very generous looking after family members who possible lost a parent, etc. They owned thousands of acres of land but never seemed to have much money available. Martha was a gentle soul and extremely hospitable to family as well as visitors. I had no idea Martha followed George to the battle sites and assisted in every way possible to comfort the soldiers. So much traveling and the difficulties/challenging roads must have been exhausting. It's too bad most of Martha's letters had been destroyed. I can't imagine what she and George wrote to each other. She was a well respected woman by all rights.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gave me a new perspective of life for a plantation owner's wife and the relationship of George and Martha. Martha oversaw the running of the household including the management of the household slaves, which was an amazing undertaking for anyone. She did not have a very high opinion of the slaves under her care, but for most plantation owners, at that time in history, that was not unusual.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book where the author seamlessly weaved the biography along with the social, economic, and political times of the day.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although it was a tad bit too long. It was closer to a 4 than a 3. Martha Washington was in the background of many books this year and this book brought her interesting story to the forefront. George Washington would have been a simple soldier without her, and this book tells that intriguing story. I also liked the family side of George Washington which was told in this book, a story which enhances his human character rather than his mythical nature.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. About Martha, the children, her relationship with George and the land their finance problems. Goes fast.

[Robbi Leah Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was described as a historical book on Martha Washington, but because of lack of sources, it was more of author's opinion on Martha's life and feelings. It also goes over much of George's life & thoughts. It was interesting and I learned some things.
It did amaze me that Martha Washington could not spell correctly. It drove me to distraction. That is the difference in schooling between then and now for girls.
Also it was interesting reading about George letting his slaves go, in his will, at Martha's death. I would have never thought that the slaves would think to hurt Mrs. Washington to be free.
This, for me, was more of a history/opinion book instead of a historical account. The author is an Excellent fiction writer and I hope she sticks with that strength.

[Liesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this while also reading/listening to Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life. The authors complement one another's styles and both provide plenty of primary source excerpts. Bryan seems more lenient than Chernow with the more exciting historical rumors, giving more credit and page space than perhaps is due, seemingly in the name of shock value, while Chernow leaves out many important historical viewpoints and their corresponding primary support that I felt would have added to his (nonetheless very rounded) depiction of Washington. Both are great authors and I can't help but think Chernow was influenced by Bryan's work.

[Gina Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and entertaining

Extremely well researched. I am glad I read Martha's history before reading any biographies of George. There is so much written about George it would take a lifetime of study to make a dent. Martha's story is much less documented. This account could stand up to the most intense scrutiny. It was very entertaining and the family connections were staggering. Anyone interested in that era or in the life of our first president would do well to start here. I can highly recommend. Gbash

[JaNae]

Started with the introduction but that was too analytical for what I was wanting so I jumped onto chapter 1 and am more pleased. Not very far into the book and want to get moving on it. Excited to learn more about our very first first lady.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of interesting but little known facts about Martha's young life and her life at Mt. Vernon. She was ever the faithful politicians wife and gave much of herself. I think she honestly gave more than she received in all aspects.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good and easy read. I read it concurrently with two books on George Washington and all the information was in agreement. Although there was not a lot of information directly from Martha, it did give a good introspection as to her life.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a visit to Mt Vernon this book was suggested to me. I very much enjoyed learning about Mrs Washington. The author transported me back to an important time in American history. Her details gave me a vivid portrait of Martha Washington and all she came in contact with.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha Washington really down played her role of 1st Lady. Perhaps this was normal at this time in history. Interesting that she burned all the letters she wrote to George (sad for history).

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read like a novel. Enjoyed it very much.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into the real life of George and his wife Martha. A little dry at times, but historically interesting.