George Washington

by William Roscoe Thayer

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Presidents, Classics

184 pages

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

William Roscoe Thayer (1859–1923) was an American author and editor who wrote about Italian history.

Reviews

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful biography if you want a quick way to learn about Washington's life. Childhood, youth in the French-Indian war, family-life, the revolution, the presidency — everything is touched upon with a fact-based and honest approach. To give us an image of who Washington was Thayer quotes letters and documents, which I found very interesting.
I listened to it as a free audio-book made by ejunto, which I highly recommend.

I don't care if he died over 200 years ago, I still cried at the last chapter.

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK read,
I now know more about George than I did before I read this, even though being a history major in University, what I learned about Mr Washington through 18 years of school in America, was minimal. Not particularly well written with little insight and examination of what George did in his life, so a very incomplete picture in a nutshell. I will have to read further to get more insight into George.

[Leonard J. Kusek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable overview.

Too much butt kissing. Where is the recognition of the contribution of the French? What happened to the Tories after the war?

[Walt Kinsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Biography

A well written, but wandering biography of Washington. It is to know a man that is needed of a biography, and this fulfills it perfectly.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leads me to peruse his correspondence

[Lauren Anastasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read a perspective of George Washington from a late 19th/early 20th century writer

[Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over July 4th weekend. This book gives a great sketch of Washington's life and social interactions. It covers his impressive career as one of the great, if not the greatest, founders. It finishes with a rather dramatic and tragic ending that I never learned about from school. Best of all this is a free digital book from Amazon.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent work on Washington's life. Certainly not the most in-depth that I've ever seen, but if you're wanting a quick overview on the life of Washington, this is one that I would recommend. If looking for something more in-depth, pick up Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life.

[Martin Whatwouldthefoundersthink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short biography of Washington. Quick to read, free for the Kindle on Amazon. I reviewed this here.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about George Washington - this bio was written almost a hundred years ago. At times it was a little dry and hard to read, but overall it was incredibly interesting - especially the section describing his final moments.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I like Thayer's approach. The Revolutionary War is just beginning. Washington is the kind of leader this county needs.

[Dickie]

Brief and concise. After reviewing Thayer's reference notes, I plan on reading John Marshall's Life of George Washington next.

[Scott Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and informative.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it totally necessary that great men have their detractors and be vilified during their lifetime?

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick to read. Not too long. Reminded why George Washington was so highly revered in life, and still so honored in death.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. In many ways the politics of today were of Washington's time. George stands out high above all; we were fortunate to have him at that time and place.

[Sue22306 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read - helps to round out who George Washington was.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Washington was "bled" 4 times the day he died. The wonders of medicine

[Skyelr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but sort of a slow read.