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His Excellency: George Washington (精装)
by Joseph J. Ellis
| Category:
American history, Fictional history, Biography |
| Market price: ¥ 288.00
MSL price:
¥ 258.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
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MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Fantastic, approachable chronicle of the genius and humanity of George Washington. |
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AllReviews |
  1 2 Total 2 pages 11 items |
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George Garfield (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-22 00:00>
Joseph Ellis has done a wonderful job giving real life to the man who won American independence in the Revolutionary War and who then went on to invent and sustain America's emerging nationhood. George Washington's early years on the Virginia frontier, to his role in the French and Indian War are fascinating enough. However, this early part of the book (and his life) serve to illustrate the crucible that these early days were to the creation of his iron will and the leadership qualities that brought him to lead the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War.
His role as General convinced him of the need for Federal power to raise money for, among other things, an army. The details of the Continental Army's condition during the war further illustrate the amazing nature of America's defeat of what was then the world's preeminent military power. For example, during the winter of 1776 - 1777, many soldiers went without shoes and fought a well equipped British Army. It is interesting to learn more about the relationship between Washington and his chief aid in the war and as President; Alexander Hamilton. Moreover, Ellis draws some interesting contrasts between Washington and Jefferson (both of whom he has now devoted a book each) and their personal relationship. Washington emerges from this the more influential character.
Galvanized by these prior experiences, Washington's influence on moving the confederation of states to the Constitutional Convention and ultimately the Constitution itself is crystal clear. No other Founding Father had such a realistic view of how to implement the new American ideals and, indeed, as Henry Lee expressed in Washington's eulogy; "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
His Excellency does an outstanding job of giving the reader a perspective on Washington, the person and, thus, takes a little bit of the stone like statue away from his persona. Here we also learn of Washington's obsession with managing the affairs of Mt Vernon and his considerable real estate empire while also being a General and a President. We get a sense that Washington's famous aloofness and ability to remain silent in a storm were as Ellis puts it "protective tactics developed to prevent detection of the combustible materials simmering inside."
This is an outstanding book. I'd read it again and likely will someday. |
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1 2 Total 2 pages 11 items |
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