Washington's End

The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle

By: Jonathan Horn

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Popular historian and former White House speechwriter Jonathan Horn “provides a captivating and enlightening look at George Washington’s post-presidential life and the politically divided country that was part of his legacy” (New York Journal of Books).

Beginning where most biographies of George Washington leave off, Washington’s End opens with the first president exiting office after eight years and entering what would become the most bewildering stage of his life. Embittered by partisan criticism and eager to return to his farm, Washington assumed a role for which there was no precedent at a time when the kings across the ocean yielded their crowns only upon losing their heads. In a different sense, Washington would lose his head, too.

In this riveting read, bestselling author Jonathan Horn reveals that the quest to surrender power proved more difficult than Washington imagined and brought his life to an end he never expected. The statesman who had staked his legacy on withdrawing from public life would feud with his successors and find himself drawn back into military command. The patriarch who had dedicated his life to uniting his country would leave his name to a new capital city destined to become synonymous with political divisions.

A “movable feast of a book” (Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author of 1944), immaculately researched, and powerfully told through the eyes not only of Washington but also of his family members, friends, and foes, Washington’s End is “an outstanding biographical work on one of America’s most prominent leaders (Library Journal).

Critic reviews

"Historians rarely place much emphasis on the later years of George Washington. The American Cincinnatus turned his back on power and returned to his farm. But in the tone of a close confidant, [narrator Arthur] Morey shares a history more like that of the later Michael Corleone, who found that the more he tried to get out, the more they pulled him back in. To Washington's dismay, party politics were on the rise, while his envisioned Federal City just across the Potomac remained only a few scattered public buildings. Pitch-perfect, Morey conveys a time in Washington's career unexpectedly fraught with conflict, and a rich retrospect on a complex personality."

A Bunch of Men Overcome with their Own Self Importance

Everyone in the book, including Washington, is focused on their own reputation. I was embarrassed for all of them!

Things they don’t teach you in history class

While I had heard that excessive bleeding was considered one of the causes of his death. The idea he might have been saved by a tracheostomy is interesting. I can’t imagine that was a common procedure at the time.
The animosity between Washington and Jefferson was greater than I realized.
Abigail Adam’s observation that democracy would survive of her husband wasn’t re-elected seems to be echoed on a regular basis.
Perhaps why Mao was said to have observed out of too early to judge the impact of the French Revolution.

A thorough and detailed coverage

Learn tidbits you don't know, explore other angles of intentions and actions of the founders, and enjoy a most interesting account of the early days of the nation.

I highly recommend this book.

Washington's End

This autobiography is mostly about George Washington life from the end of his p[residency until his death which is a period of less than three years. It is interesting and worthwhile.

Great history book

If for no other reason than to hear how the more things change, the more they stay the same, read or listen to this book. While giving an excellent view of life after the presidency for Washington, the political strife at the time is eye opening.

Outstanding historical lesson!

All aspects of this undertaking exceed my expectations. The authors research and composition opened my mind to the events and people who defined the birth of our nation and politics. A birds eye view of the personalities involved is the readers grand prize!

Different year, same battle lines...

As I listened to this book, I couldn't help but think that not much has changed in 250 years. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, for both it's historical value and the inside look into George Washington's life. But I also realized that people in general haven't really changed over time.

The current political atmosphere in the USA today is much like it was in Washington's time. The technology and clothing has changed, but the 2 main sides remain the same. Without saying anything further regarding politics, I find it very sad that the 2 main sides remain as polarized today as they were back then.

Overall, I enjoyed the perspective this book gave. It gives one a clear understanding of Washington and his life in those times. How he thought about things, and why he made some of the decisions he made.

History repeats itself

This book is a reminder that we unite to attack an external enemy, then after defeating the external enemy, we attack one another. That is happening again right now. We are all biased. none of us are saints. Washington was biased . He was not a saint. This book is a reminder that despite pettiness and jealousy and personal ambitions of those in power, our nation continues to survive. That is good news for this troubling time in our history.

Enlightening and informative

Extraordinarily well written history book about the final years of George Washington. The U.S. wasn't so different then than it is today.

So long ago yet reflect current events

Washington was the first of America’s three indispensable men. The book outlines the fractious nature of politics and what a knave the wife stealing, slave raping coward Thomas Jefferson was.