His Excellency: George Washington

by Joseph J. Ellis

book data

1,557 ratings, 3.87 average rating, 321 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		21%
4		49%
3		24%
2		3%
1		1%

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published

November 8th 2005 (first published 2004) by Vintage

binding

Paperback, 352 pages

setting

The United States

isbn

1400032539 (isbn13: 9781400032532)

description

To this landmark biography of our first president, Joseph J. Ellis brings the exacting scholarship, shrewd analysis, and lyric prose that have made hi...more

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Presidential Reads: His Ecellency: George Washington	5	35	8 hours, 12 min ago
Presidential Reads: "The Real George Washington"	2	31	8 hours, 15 min ago
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02/07/08

Nate Cooley rated it:

bookshelves: books-i-read-in-2007

Read in August, 2007

In "His Excellency," Joseph Ellis has written a very readable and concise synopsis on the life of George Washington. Though more recognizable for his works "Founding Brothers" and "American Sphinx" (about Thomas Jefferson), Ellis successfully undertakes the task of illuminating probably the most important figure in American history.

Probably the most apparent burden struck by Ellis, and a theme readily illusive throughout his book, is the author's effort...more In "His Excellency," Joseph Ellis has written a very readable and concise synopsis on the life of George Washington. Though more recognizable for his works "Founding Brothers" and "American Sphinx" (about Thomas Jefferson), Ellis successfully undertakes the task of illuminating probably the most important figure in American history.

Probably the most apparent burden struck by Ellis, and a theme readily illusive throughout his book, is the author's effort to avoid what he terms a certain "hyperbolic syndrome" that is usually associated with any critical discussion of George Washington. In his introduction, Ellis rhetorically asks how we can "accurately map the terrain" of Washington's life "without imposing the impossible expectations." Ellis appropriately warns that when examining Washington, "if we find ourselves being merely celebratory, or its judgmental twin, dismissive, we should rub our eyes and look again."

Ellis thereby begins with the premise that, as a biographer, anyone ought to begin their quest "looking for a man rather than a statute, and any statutes that are encountered should be quickly knocked off their pedestals." Ellis effectively wipes the Washington-slate clean; he begins tabla rasa and ultimately does a great job at painting a portrait of Washington that, not-coincidentally, is akin to other statutesque conclusions previosuly concluded by others.

My one complaint with the book involves the author's style. Often times, Ellis will draw conclusions about Washington's character and/or ideology which are based on statements to the effect of "... all of the evidence points to thus." In coming across these repeated affirmations, I found myself wanting to know the details; wanting for Ellis to specifically delineate the evidence. Overall though, the author does a great job of inserting Washington's own words and the words of his peers and the book is adequately footnoted.

On a positive note, Ellis, as with every good biography, deviates from the comfortable, all-too-common, historical-narrative-chronology (i.e., 'X' happened, then 'Y' happened, and after that 'Z' happened). Instead, at appropriate times, Ellis grasps certain themes throughout the book and interesting weaves them into the narrative coming back to them repeatedly.

For example (and probably most importantly), one prominent topic throughout the book involved Washington's philosophy regarding slavery. At certain points in the book, Ellis illuminates Washington's then-current view on the topic, or more appropriately Washington's wrestle with and evolving view on the institution. Though anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of Washington knows that he ulitmately emancipated his slaves upon Martha's death via his will, Ellis does an outstanding job in ellucidating the nuances of Washington's ever-evolving philosophy.

"His Excellency" is a great starting point for any study of the life of George Washington. Again Joseph Ellis has demonstrated his ability to bring a larger-than-life historical figures to a wide audience. I would highly recommend this book. (less)

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03/20/08

Jamie rated it:

(review of isbn 1400040310)

bookshelves: history-and-biography

Read in March, 2008

I just returned from a visit to Washington, D.C. and Mount Vernon, so I'm in a patriotic mood. This is a very readable, enjoyable biography that attempts to explain Washington's character and motivations and to describe the influences which shaped his decisions.

The book is fairly short and is written at a bird's-eye view, mostly lacking in the kind of human detail that I usually enjoy in a biography. It left me hungry for more details: I wanted to know more about his personal exper...more

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02/03/09

Scott rated it:

Read in January, 2007

Not only a great biography, but it was a fairly quick read, too. Great insight into a truly great man who understood his place in history, and, according to National Treasure 2, had some sweet tunnels on his property. ;)

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01/27/09

Derek rated it:

(review of isbn 0571212123)

bookshelves: biography, history, non-fiction, u-s--history

This book by Ellis, his best that I've read, is a great examination of the life of this most revered and yet most enigmatic President. Despite a dearth of personal primary sources, Ellis does a fine job looking behind the mask to see the character off Washington. A man of great passions and ambition, Washington had a keen understanding of the role of perception, and carefully crafted the regal public persona so remarkable. As a tactician, he does not rank among the greatest military minds, nor w...more

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12/27/08

Jeff added it

bookshelves: biography, history

Read in December, 2008

I listened to Ellis' excellent biography of George Washington on CD in my car during my commutes over a period of about a week, saturating my mind in early American lives and times. Ellis' contribution in Founding Brothers was to remind us that the 'founding fathers' were not a group of stodgy old men who worked in harmony. Rather, they were a shifting mass of young men with monumental egos, petty rivalries, fickle alliances, and intense hatreds. He continued in this vein with His Excellency,...more I listened to Ellis' excellent biography of George Washington on CD in my car during my commutes over a period of about a week, saturating my mind in early American lives and times. Ellis' contribution in Founding Brothers was to remind us that the 'founding fathers' were not a group of stodgy old men who worked in harmony. Rather, they were a shifting mass of young men with monumental egos, petty rivalries, fickle alliances, and intense hatreds. He continued in this vein with His Excellency, focusing on the relationships between these principal figures in American history, as well as their foibles. I especially enjoyed learning more about Washington and his protégés (Lafayette and Hamilton), tensions with Jefferson (who, despite his status as a demigod at the University of Virginia, where I went to medical school, seems to have been quite manipulative and two-faced). Since I listened to this book while detoxing from two-party politics of the 2008 presidential elections, I was intrigued to learn that the two-party system had it's roots in Jefferson's resistance of Hamilton and Washington's vision of federal authority and in the interest of southerners 'state's rights' (i.e. to preserve slave labor). Washington's attitudes about his own slaves, understood in historical context, are fascinating. Clearly, he considered them chattel, but also refused to sell them if this meant breaking up families. Accordingly, he retired to Mount Vernon responsible for a growing, in-bread 'family' of almost 300 slaves who remained dependent on him until freed in his will. History will probably never record what became of them.

Washington’s relationship with Martha was hardly described at all, perhaps because she destroyed their letters just prior to her own death.

As a physician, I was surprised to be on the edge of my seat while learning of Washington's death to epiglottis (and of the ignorant attempts of the time's best doctors to treat it with successive bleedings).

I guess it's time to re-read McCulloch's John Adams...
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12/20/08

Brian Steed added it

Read in January, 2005

Whereas David McCullough’s 1776 is effused with the idealism that drove the “spirit of ’76,” Ellis casts a more pragmatic light on the life of Washington, though he is no less admiring of the man. Although McCullough’s account is excellent history, his portrayal of Washington still carries some of the mythology that we attach to him, and fills you with admiration at his willingness to risk his well-off life for the sake of “the noble cause”. Ellis’ portrayal is more down to ea...more

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12/10/08

Ryan Lawson rated it:

Read in December, 2008

Joseph J. Ellis's His Excellency: George Washington
Wk.34; Bk.34

This was the second Ellis book that I have read, and I don't think it will be my last. I still think Joseph J. Ellis comes off as preachy at times and there is no doubt in my mind (as I have said before) that he is a Fox News loving Republican because of his apparent love and high regard for the Federalists.

However, His Excellency was a better text than Founding Brothers, and I think that it is du...more

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05/29/09

Kelly rated it:

Read in June, 2009

So my thirst for history continues...I found this to be a good book about George Washington...LONG and a little dry in places but truly one of those that first, knocks the man off of the pedestal we put him and then second, places him back up there for the right reasons.

Washington was not a perfect, humble, public serving man. He was someone who came from little and married extremely well! In his marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis he gained a considerable amount of property, wealt...more So my thirst for history continues...I found this to be a good book about George Washington...LONG and a little dry in places but truly one of those that first, knocks the man off of the pedestal we put him and then second, places him back up there for the right reasons.

Washington was not a perfect, humble, public serving man. He was someone who came from little and married extremely well! In his marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis he gained a considerable amount of property, wealth and family. Washington never fathered any biological children but in his marriage to Martha became 'a guardian' for Jackie and Patsy, both who would die before both Martha and George.

He was the strong force behind American independence, but was reluctant to give up his valuable goods from England shipped to him on a regular basis. When the time finally came for him to do so, it was out of anger because he felt he was getting screwed (not the term they use) on the price he was receiving for his tobacco.

As a military leader, Washington was less than great. The campaigns he led did not end well, but he believed that in order for the United States to succeed they must fight England and gain independence. Washington surrounded himself by many good men during the American Revolutionary years though, of them Nathaniel Green and Henry Knox. Of the not so good, Charles Lee, and the ever infamous Benedict Arnold.

His shining moments came when the war ended and Washington walked away from the powerful post of General and title, His Excellency, and further proved his belief that the government was to be ruled by the voice of men, not the voice of one man. He remained humble during this time and believed that he would be exiting the public arena and returning to Mount Vernon to retire.

Washington holds the dubious honor of being the only President to have been elected unanimously by the Electoral College, not once but twice. They saw in him the honesty, fairness and resolve to lead the United States during its infancy. Washington served two terms as the President and during that time established the national credit and foundation for the financially powerful nation; signed the Residence Act of 1790 which established DC as the seat of power; and established open trade with England and her colonies. In 1797 he retired and returned to Mount Vernon to spend his remaining days as a farmer.

Obviously I liked the book as I have just written a book report! But if you aren't a history buff...beware the book is very long!!! (less)

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04/19/09

Patrick rated it:

Recently, I decided to read a biography on each US president, and I began the project with this book by Pulitzer Prize winning author Joseph J. Ellis. I must say that I was initially put off by how short the book was; it only comprises 275 pages of text, not including citations. However, once I began reading I was pleasantly surprised. The best part of Ellis's treatment of His Excellency, as George Washington was known, is the analysis of his very human faults and frailties. Combined with Washin...more

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04/18/09

Nancy rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

Read in January, 2008

My interest in learning more about George Washington was sparked by our visit to Mt. Vernon over the Thanksgiving weekend. My cousin recommended this book. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about Washington and the beginning of the United States. Washington seemed to be a man who wanted to move up in the world and later was quite concerned about his legacy. He was a tall (6’3”), imposing man. He was conscious of his lack of formal education. One of the most interesting aspects was ...more

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06/23/09

Rob Springer rated it:

Read in January, 2008

recommended to Rob by: Todd Klemme

Book on tape: Washington was referred to by his contemporaries as the indespensible man. He was trusted and respected by everyone in the Continental Congress. His greatest success as a general was keeping the army together. Had he been captured by the British or the army destroyed, the revolution would have ended immediately. He led a charmed life, and was unafraid of death. His own hero was Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, the farmer who was made dictator, saved Rome, and promptly returned to his ...more

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03/02/09

Bill Gunn rated it:

Read in March, 2009

recommends it for: every american that cares about our republic

I enjoyed this book and the look at a truly great man. Mr. Ellis managed to show Pres. Washington's human side, frailties, ego and desires; by doing so he elevated him into a greater individual. By overcoming his desires to march into glorious battles, leaving office and turning away from adulation, President Washington took care of the country first.

One thing I did find a little disingenuous: while deriding Jefferson and Madison he did not use the full name of their party,democrat...more

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04/18/09

Sarah rated it:

Read in April, 2009

As an American Government major I knew about the Framers of the Constitution- Jefferson, Madison, Adams - but not very much about the General. What surprised me most was his popularity - elected unanimously twice - and his incredible wisdom on subject of human nature and policy. Considering what he must have endured on the battlefield, his stamina and emotional strength was incredible. The conclusion which compared his pragmatism with the idealism of Jefferson and Madison was relevant to today...more

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04/10/09

Brandy rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

A fantastic biography. It is detailed, but not heavily so. Like most biographies published during this generation, the author does focus on the fact our first President was a man and therefore a human with many faults. But he doesn't try to rip him apart to make him more "mortal" to the reader. He is honest, but respectful of the life of "His Excellency". Even more impressive is the biography kept me completely focused the entire time I was reading. There was only one p...more

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02/04/09

Krisette Spangler rated it:

bookshelves: biography

Read in February, 2009

This book was a little disappointing. Ellis writes this book in what seems to me a deliberate attempt to expose the "myths" that surround Washington's legacy. It is hard to understand why anyone would want to detract from the accomplishments of a great man, especially someone like Ellis who makes a living writing about these great men from the revolutionary era.

Two actions of Washington's speak louder than any other supposed thoughts or motivations. The first was that ...more

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11/23/08

Jeff rated it:

Read in December, 2008

I listened to the unabridged version of His Excellency: George Washington from Audible.com. I think Joseph J. Ellis chose the right approach by deciding not do a complete biography but take historical records and try to explore George Washington's personality and how that personality got him to be the revered father of our country. Joseph J. Ellis reaches some very reasonable conclusions about George Washington and reveals George's personality to be that of a man, not a revered god, and that ...more

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09/03/08

Ron rated it:

bookshelves: history

Well put together. Nothing particularly new.

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01/17/09

Katrina marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Here is the impetuous young officer whose miraculous survival in combat half-convinced him that he could not be killed. Here is the free-spending landowner whose debts to English merchants instilled him with a prickly resentment of imperial power. We see the general who lost more battles than he won and the reluctant president who tried to float above the partisan feuding of his cabinet. His Excellency is a magnificent work, indispensable to an understanding not only of its subject but also of t...more

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07/11/08

Diane Bettridge rated it:

Great book

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07/21/08

Ernie rated it:

Well written book. The life of George Washington is covered from his youth to his death and focuses on how he responded to his mistakes and worked to project an effective image as a thoughtful leader without the aspirations that he clearly had. His early miltary career was embarrassing and an education. He was passed over by the British for commands, although that was typical of their treatment of colonials. Washington's aspiration to be military commander was apparent to everyone in that he w...more

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