The Unexpected George Washington
His Private Life
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
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)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this latest biography of the founding father, Unger uses Washington's personal letters, diaries and "little notes to himself" to provide an intimate view of the American hero who managed to follow his ambitions to great power without being disdained for them. The legendary leader, Unger reveals, was a successful farmer who spent as much as, and often more than, he made, was generous with his wife and children and had to settle for the title of "adopted father" because of his inability to have children of his own. Skirting the cliched category of "renaissance man," Unger presents Washington as an early American prototype: the prescient and competent leader of men, who has taste, intellect and a strong conscience-traits which would ultimately be coaxed to action by John Adams. His love and care for Martha is resolute, and his friendship with the Marquis de Lafayette is revealed as sentimental and fatherly and without a shred of ceremonial stiffness. Unger's effort adds up to an engrossing and enjoyable read that allows the more well-known aspects of Washington's achievements to serve as context for his personal life. The famous Peale portrait may depict a stoic, even morose man, reflecting the leader of legend, but Unger's Washington is refreshingly romantic, a devoted husband and father who just happened to find success as a general and a president.
