Washington: A Life

Abstract

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow New York: The Penguin Press, 2010 904 pages $40.00 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Building on his recent biography of Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow has written an impressive biography of George Washington. Chernow's portrayal of Washington succeeds in presenting a fresh perspective that is both informative and inspiring. Unlike some of the more recent publications on Washington, Chernow presents him in a realistic manner that does not give in to attempts to mythologize his subject. Overall, the book provides a detailed analysis of the situations that influenced Washington and culminated in his earning the title of "the father of his country." As the title implies, Chernow's study offers a complete account of Washington's life. Dividing his analysis into six phases, the author discusses Washington's role as frontiersman, planter, general, statesman, president, and legend. The result is an in-depth character study describing his family background, personal and professional relationships, and constant quest to improve himself and his standing in the eyes of others. The early analysis depicts a young man who was deeply ambitious, but struggled with insecurities due to his "defective" education. Denied a formal education due to his father's early death, Washington toiled hard to sharpen his intellect, all the while believing himself at a disadvantage when working with better-educated contemporaries. Undoubtedly, this inspired Washington to develop "a seriousness of purpose and fierce determination to succeed, that made him stand out in any crowd." Chernow emphasizes that Washington, although often very lucky in his circumstances, benefitted most from his own resolve. Chernow's study demonstrates how Washington matured and grew into his responsibilities. It is the depiction of his subject's growth that is the most intriguing aspect of this work. His time in the wilderness as a surveyor and later as a militia leader during the French and Indian War inured him to hardship and prepared him for the challenges he would face as a commanding officer. Although an elitist, his time as Commander of the Continental Army transformed him into a more egalitarian individual who would slowly learn to love the men he initially looked down upon during the early days of the American Revolution. His time as Commander also reinforced a conviction of the importance of a strong centralized government. A weak Congress that was continually unable to collect sufficient funds from the states to support his forces plagued Washington throughout the war. Washington also benefitted from his political experience in Virginia's House of Burgess and the two sessions of the Continental Congress. He had learned early on the value of silence, and despite being surrounded by "talkative egomaniacs," he grew into a "calm figure of sound judgment" able to unify the dynamic personalities that surrounded him as commanding general and president. Chernow knocks Washington off his pedestal and displays the man's faults and weaknesses. He discusses Washington's infatuation with Sally Fairfax, the wife of his friend George Fairfax. Unfortunately, Chernow does not fully explore the implications of Washington's disloyalty to George Fairfax. …