Washington: A Life

by Ron Chernow
Washington: A Life cover
Good Books rating 4.42
History
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  • ID: 6714
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781846144028
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2010-12-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ron Chernow's 'Washington' offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of George Washington, moving beyond the stereotypical image of a stoic leader. The book delves into Washington's early life, his military exploits, and his role in shaping the new federal government. Chernow portrays Washington as a dynamic individual, skilled in horsemanship, dancing, and hunting, who fiercely guarded his emotional life. The biography also explores Washington's complex relationship with slavery and his political acumen, showing how he gathered influential figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to realize his vision for America. /n/n Chernow's work is a page-turning journey through the formative events of America's founding, providing an astute and surprising depiction of Washington's political prowess and his enduring impact on the nation. This magisterial work by one of America's foremost historians brings to life the passionate and fiery opinions of a man who defined the office of the presidency.

Reviews
Best Presidential Bios · 2013-01-27
comprehensive 4.50

This biography is considered the best presidential biography so far, but it is also noted for its difficulty. The writing is eloquent and the English is of high quality.

This review highlights that the biography is the best presidential biography so far, but it is also one of the most difficult to read. The reviewer praises Chernow's eloquence and the high quality of his English. The book is described as a comprehensive and well-researched work that provides a deep understanding of Washington's life. The reviewer also notes that the book is not just a biography but a historical document that sheds light on the American Revolution and the early days of the United States.

Quick quotes

    The best presidential biography so far and also the most difficult.

    Chernow is more eloquent and his English a couple of notches above ...

    A comprehensive and well-researched work that provides a deep understanding of Washington's life.

The New York Times · Andrew Cayton · 2010-09-30
engaging 4.00

This biography is vivid and well-paced, making it an engaging read despite its length. It is compared favorably to Chernow's other popular biographies.

The reviewer from The New York Times praises Ron Chernow's biography of George Washington as a vivid and well-paced read. Despite its length, the book is engaging and provides a comprehensive look at Washington's life. The reviewer compares it favorably to Chernow's other popular biographies, noting that it is a must-read for anyone interested in American history. The book is described as a richly detailed and nuanced portrait of the father of America, providing insights into both his public and private life.

Quick quotes

    Like his popular biographies of John D. Rockefeller and Alexander Hamilton, his “Washington” while long, is vivid and well paced.

    A must-read for anyone interested in American history.

    A richly detailed and nuanced portrait of the father of America.

Reddit - r/books · 2010-01-01
phenomenal 4.75

This biography is described as phenomenal and amongst the best in the category. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in American history.

The reviewer on Reddit describes Ron Chernow's biography of George Washington as phenomenal and amongst the best they have read in the category. They highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone with an interest in American history. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of Washington's life, both public and private, and for providing a deep understanding of the man behind the historical figure. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and well-written, making it an enjoyable and informative read.

Quick quotes

    It's a phenomenal biography and amongst the best I've read in the category.

    This is a must read for anyone with an interest in American history.

    A comprehensive coverage of Washington's life, both public and private.

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