His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

Joseph Ellis's 'His Excellency' delves into the personal and political life of George Washington, offering a nuanced portrait of the first U.S. president. The book explores Washington's military career, his presidency, and the challenges he faced in uniting a fledgling nation. Ellis also examines Washington's private life, including his marriage, financial struggles, views on slavery, and complex relationship with his stepson, providing a comprehensive understanding of the man who shaped America's early history. /n/n Throughout the book, Ellis places Washington within the context of 18th-century America, allowing readers to grasp the magnitude of his accomplishments and the character of his mind and heart as they were perceived in his own time. This revelatory biography is poised to be a seminal work in American history, offering fresh insights into one of the nation's most revered figures.

Reviews

Mariella Hunt · Mariella Hunt · 2024-11-25

good 4.00

The book is noted for its readability and concise narrative, covering important points without being intimidating. It presents a clear and engaging story of Washington's life.

Mariella Hunt appreciates how the book manages to be both informative and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience. She highlights the book's ability to cover significant aspects of Washington's life in a straightforward manner, which makes it enjoyable for readers who might be deterred by more dense historical texts. The narrative style is praised for its clarity and engaging tone, making it a good choice for those looking to learn more about Washington without getting bogged down in excessive detail.

Quick quotes

His Excellency is not so long as to be intimidating.

It covers important points in a readable style.

An easy-to-follow narrative.

Best Presidential Bios · 2013-01-19

excellent 4.50

The biography is praised as an excellent introduction to Washington, making it accessible for casual readers. It provides a comprehensive overview of his life without being overly detailed.

This review highlights how the book serves as a terrific primer for those looking to understand George Washington's life and legacy. It's noted for its readability and thoroughness, making complex historical details approachable. The reviewer appreciates how the book balances depth with accessibility, ensuring it's not just for academic audiences but also for general readers. The narrative is engaging, making it a great choice for anyone interested in learning more about one of America's founding figures.

Quick quotes

Reviews of Ellis' book ubiquitously applaud the biography as an excellent introduction to Washington.

A terrific primer for the casual reader.

Provides the reader with an interesting and thorough life of George Washington.

The New York Times · 2004-11-07

balanced 4.20

The book is seen as a dispassionate and professional historical account, with some parts of Washington's story standing out beyond mere analysis. It offers a balanced portrayal of Washington as a human figure.

The reviewer from The New York Times notes that Joseph Ellis approaches the biography with a professional historian's perspective, providing a balanced and thorough account of Washington's life. While the book is analytical, it also captures the human aspects of Washington, making him relatable and three-dimensional. The reviewer appreciates how Ellis goes beyond mere historical analysis to present a nuanced and engaging portrait of Washington, highlighting both his strengths and flaws. This makes the book a compelling read for those interested in understanding Washington as a person, not just a historical figure.

Quick quotes

Ellis is the dispassionate professional historian.

A few parts of the Washington story go beyond dispassionate analysis.

A fair portrayal of Washington as a human.

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