Washington

A Life

By: Ron Chernow

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 41 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 2011

From National Book Award winner Ron Chernow, a landmark biography of George Washington.

In Washington: A Life celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation. With a breadth and depth matched by no other one-volume life of Washington, this crisply paced narrative carries the listener through his troubled boyhood, his precocious feats in the French and Indian War, his creation of Mount Vernon, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and his magnificent performance as America's first president.

Despite the reverence his name inspires, Washington remains a lifeless waxwork for many Americans, worthy but dull. A laconic man of granite self-control, he often arouses more respect than affection. In this groundbreaking work, based on massive research, Chernow dashes forever the stereotype of a stolid, unemotional man.

A strapping six feet, Washington was a celebrated horseman, elegant dancer, and tireless hunter, with a fiercely guarded emotional life. Chernow brings to vivid life a dashing, passionate man of fiery opinions and many moods. Probing his private life, he explores his fraught relationship with his crusty mother, his youthful infatuation with the married Sally Fairfax, and his often conflicted feelings toward his adopted children and grandchildren. He also provides a lavishly detailed portrait of his marriage to Martha and his complex behavior as a slave master.

At the same time, Washington is an astute and surprising portrait of a canny political genius who knew how to inspire people. Not only did Washington gather around himself the foremost figures of the age, including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, but he also brilliantly orchestrated their actions to shape the new federal government, define the separation of powers, and establish the office of the presidency.

©2010 Ron Chernow (P)2010 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Tenaciously researched...This new portrait offers a fresh sense of what a groundbreaking role Washington played, not only in physically embodying his new nation's leadership but also in interpreting how its newly articulated constitutional principles would be applied...deeply rewarding.” ( New York Times)

"Just as he resuscitated Alexander Hamilton in a heralded 2004 biography, Ron Chernow now resurrects Washington...[A] remarkable book." ( Entertainment Weekly)

"Whether he's debunking the legend of Washington's wooden teeth (ivory that cracked and discolored over time) or the purely fictional tale of the cherry tree, the massive yet briskly paced Washington: A Life is a rollicking read, sure to redefine perceptions and correct assumptions." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Very revealing and what a life it was!

Learning about GW I would recommend the book.
The Author on the other hand continues to pass on dispersions on Jefferson regarding his/TJ's "Slave" children myth originating from the mid 1990's by faulting research with a left leaning agenda. This "research" was quietly rescinded yet never heralded by the media whom originally touted the research as evidence of some character flaw. So most have yet to hear the truth regarding the issue.
However, the letters and first person accounts are great!

A detailed story about George Washington

What made the experience of listening to Washington: A Life the most enjoyable?

The time period was so different to live in compared to modern times.

Who was your favorite character and why?

George Washington, of course.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably the time spent discussing Mount Vernon. I visited Mount Vernon in the Summer of 2011.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Any additional comments?

The narrator did an excellent job by speaking so elegantly and clearly. I enjoyed to listening of how they talked and wrote back then.

A life I never knew!

Would you listen to Washington: A Life again? Why?

I already have, fact checking, looking at maps, and pictures of the significant players. I drive for a living, and seeing the terrain first hand, and with the wonderful spoken word to guide me, the story of Washington becomes not only a lesson in history, but a living guide to find more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Washington: A Life?

His constant need to show a better man. Not letting anger show but in rare instances, makes them all the more dramatic. I also liked that no matter the bad actions against this man, by holding his tongue in check, he always prevailed.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Bricks preformance is inspiring. Clear and concise, He lets the reader draw his own conclusions without adding any emphasis of his own, even when the author already has.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Of course! With the events, the persons involved and the founding of a country, you run the gambit of emotions. Added is the issues with slavery, and Washington's inability to deal with it.

THE FATHER OF AMERICA

A remarkable biography thar brings Washington and his era alive and into your heart. A must read to understsnd the Revolution and the remarkable men who fought for the country's foundations.

Fantastic

Thorough, fair and winsome. Felt like I got to know and learn from Washington. The

Depth of the book is amazing

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It increased my vocabulary. :-).

Thanks Ron Chernow for an extraordinary amount of work and well written book about our country’s amazing Father.

Obviously important

Think of Donald Trump but the complete opposite. Necessary to remember we are a republic.

Enthralling

I have always been fascinated by the father of my country. This book was certainly well-researched. I couldn't believe how much information was in there. I definitely have a different, way different opinion of that Fox.

LOVED IT

As engaging in its narrative flow as it was sweeping in scope, Chernow brought the first president to life for me like never before. Plus, Scott Brick is pretty much the Tom Brady of narrators. Worth a credit for anyone who likes history or biographies.

Fantastic in every way.

Great performance by Scott Brick and a wonderful portrayal of George Washington's life by Ron Chernow. Highly recommended.