Washington by Ron Chernow

This one took awhile to read. As I read several books at once and this book approached seventy chapters at a chapter a night it was a challenge. Factor in a few too many nights of finishing other books and George Washington has been my companion since winter.

Countless biographies have been and will continue to be written about Washington but what comes out in this Chernow book is his essential honor. Of course he was of a different time. His whoe life is examined in detail.

A few items of note. Washington's mother was a brittle,nagging woman who was more concerned with what she could do for her,than what he did do for his country. It could.be argued that he was not a great general, perhaps not even a good one. His experience in the French and Indian war open to interpretation although he received good publicity. His best success in the Revolution was his calculated retreat out of New York as the British closed in.

That said despite the questions about his military prowess as a leader he was ethical and beyond reproach. As President he had perhaps the most talented cabinet ever and managed their personalities.very well. King George said that when he gave up his leadership of the Army and then gave up the Presidency that he was the greatest man of the age.

I could write a longer review. Chernow who also wrote Hamilton is clearly a expert on figures of this age. Not an easy read, not one to start lightly. But Washington the man is measured welll in this book, not as a saint, as he was not one. His continual evolution of his views on slavery was nuanced but still ahead of his contemporaries.

Seventy chapters of Washington is an investment but one worth making