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

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

This was quite a book. Long and very thick reading. As biographies go it was a difficult one to muddle through. But the reward was there.

Of all the forefathers perhaps only George Washington had more of an impact on his country and many feel for his long standing efforts to establish the United States on solid financial footing Washington may have even stood beneath Hamilton.

Hamilton had flaws, he was impulsive, made mistakes in his marriage, and was defensive in the extreme.

We have all heard the story of the duel that ended his life. Much talk takes place in the book about affairs of honor and the culture which fostered duels. It is interesting and for us at this juncture in our society we do find it easy to understand.

Last year I read a biography of Aaron Burr and it too told a good tale. In both cases the authors are more sympathetic to their subjects than their opponents. This is to be expected. Still I think that Chernow does a good job playing straight with the facts. Nancy Isenburg writing of Burr was a little more one sided. Or of course it could be that I feel this way for having read the Hamilton book most recently.

Perhaps the best historical judgment on Hamilton are his battles with everyone with the exception of Washington. It would seem that he was difficult at best and could alienate people on both sides of the party system. Jefferson, Adams and Madison all considered him a scoundrel and Monroe felt no better.

A rewarding book. Very well done

A fulfilling read.