
George Washington and His World
Enslaver, Revolutionary, President
Denver Brunsman(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Will be published approx. on 14. January 2027
Book
Hardback
152 pages
978-0-19-785882-0 (ISBN)
Description
Enslaver and revolutionary, destroyer of Native American communities and father of American liberty, Washington filled numerous roles in the Founding Era.
Following his death in December 1799, writers, artists, and eulogists hailed George Washington as if he were a god. It was all too much for Abigail Adams, who contended that "Simple Truth is his best, his greatest Eulogy." The plea sounds easy enough, but capturing the truth about Washington has never been straightforward. Since his death, individuals and groups have projected their values and aspirations for the United States onto Washington's memory--a process that has obscured the actual person.
George Washington and His World takes simple truth as its charge. In this compelling, fresh portrait of America's indispensable founder, the canvas is broadened to include not only Washington, but his world and surroundings, so readers might better understand his legacy. Combining the latest historical findings with original primary research, award-winning historian Denver Brunsman provides new understanding of Washington's rise and influence by focusing on the people and society who made the first president's accomplishments possible. Enslaver and revolutionary, destroyer of Native American communities and father of American liberty, Washington filled numerous roles in the Founding Era. Rather than shy away from these contradictions, Brunsman embraces them to explain Washington to a twenty-first century audience. What emerges is a study in human complexity that neither celebrates nor vilifies but aims to better understand this remarkable American life.
Following his death in December 1799, writers, artists, and eulogists hailed George Washington as if he were a god. It was all too much for Abigail Adams, who contended that "Simple Truth is his best, his greatest Eulogy." The plea sounds easy enough, but capturing the truth about Washington has never been straightforward. Since his death, individuals and groups have projected their values and aspirations for the United States onto Washington's memory--a process that has obscured the actual person.
George Washington and His World takes simple truth as its charge. In this compelling, fresh portrait of America's indispensable founder, the canvas is broadened to include not only Washington, but his world and surroundings, so readers might better understand his legacy. Combining the latest historical findings with original primary research, award-winning historian Denver Brunsman provides new understanding of Washington's rise and influence by focusing on the people and society who made the first president's accomplishments possible. Enslaver and revolutionary, destroyer of Native American communities and father of American liberty, Washington filled numerous roles in the Founding Era. Rather than shy away from these contradictions, Brunsman embraces them to explain Washington to a twenty-first century audience. What emerges is a study in human complexity that neither celebrates nor vilifies but aims to better understand this remarkable American life.
Reviews / Votes
Denver Brunsman's clear and crisp writing, his seemingly effortless command of the source material, and his intimate familiarity with Mount Vernon make this book the perfect introduction to George Washington and a great read for anyone interested in the life and times of the first president. * Colin G. Calloway, author of The Indian World of George Washington * Denver Brunsman is a uniquely skilled professor, who teaches George Washington better than anyone. George Washington and His World brings the man, Mount Vernon, and the Revolutionary Era to life for anyone who doesn't have the privilege of sitting in his classroom. * Lindsay Chervinsky, author of Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents that Forged the Republic * Vivid and insightful, this book reveals the moral complexity and enduring importance of the most important founder of our now imperiled republic. With deep research and clear thinking, Denver Brunsman enriches our understanding of the American Revolution and its many legacies. * Alan Taylor, author of American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804 * Denver Brunsman's book achieves what few others have. It shows George Washington as a multi-faceted and fully formed individual. While appearing in all his military splendor and presidential wisdom, he also emerges as a man who was plagued by blind spots and failures. This highly readable and engaging account provides an invaluable introduction to Washington's private life, public career, and lasting legacies. * Rosemarie Zagarri, author of Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Illustrations
10 black-and-white images
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-19-785882-0 (9780197858820)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Denver Brunsman is Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department at George Washington University, where his courses include "George Washington and His World," taught annually at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. He is the author of the award-winning book The Evil Necessity: British Naval Impressment in the Eighteenth-Century Atlantic World and co-editor of The American Revolution Reader, among multiple other publications.
Author
Associate Professor and Chair of the History DepartmentAssociate Professor and Chair of the History Department, George Washington University
Content
- Preface
- 1. Enslaver
- 2. Town Destroyer
- 3. Revolutionary
- 4. Enlightenment
- 5. President
- Legacy