I'd also highly recommend James Flexner's 'Washington: The Indispensable Man'
It covers Washingtion's entire life.
Posted on 06/12/2012 7:10:47 PM PDT by Pharmboy
“Finally, when the British had been larger beaten and driven from the American colonies, Washington had perhaps his most difficult task of all in that he had to keep the American military from breaking apart and keeping them prepared for renewed British aggression. Perhaps more importantly, Washington had to prevent the military from violation the right of Congress to govern preserving the civilian control of the military. “
The “British had been larger beaten” eh?
“Washington had to prevent the military from violation the right of Congress” eh?
I'd also highly recommend James Flexner's 'Washington: The Indispensable Man'
It covers Washingtion's entire life.
I was going to mention that, so I'm glad you did.
PLUS, never underestimate the visual of riding a white horse! I'm serious. He was tall and cut a dashing figure on foot, or on horseback.
I went to Washington Jr. High, and his portrait (Gilbert) hung in the front hall and in every classroom. Did you know that his eyes could follow you down the hall? Kept all of us rambunctious kids in line.
Washington contemporaries thought he was a superb general. British officers were amazed that he was able to build fortifications to surround Boston overnight, his retreat from Long Island was described as “glorious” by British officers, and Frederick the Great sent a sword to Washington in admiration of what he pulled off crossing the Delaware and defeating the Hessians in Trenton and the British rear guard at Princeton. His march from NY to Yorktown must be compared to Churchill’s march down the Rhine leading to Bleinheim during the War of Spanish Succession.
Quote: “I see Washington and Lee being quite the opposite.”
It is the difference between an Eisenhower and Patton. But you do need both to achieve victory. You need the strategist who recognizes the need to address all aspects of war both on the battlefield and in the political arena. This is the person who sees the big picture and keeps his subordinates focused. But you also need the brilliant and daring field commanders to execute the plan and, where appropriate, adapt it to changing circumstances on the ground. As a nation, we have always been blessed from the start with having both components working in concert.
After I read 'The Indinspendable Man' I ran across volume one in a used book store, and I did read it cover to cover. It took him up till the French Indian War. It was well written, but more detail than necessary to really understand the man. I decided not to go for volumes two and three.
For most of us who aren't professional historians, Flexner captured the man in "Indispensable,' and did it very well.
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