George Washington

The Political Rise of America's Founding Father

By: David O. Stewart

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 18 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

A fascinating and illuminating account of how George Washington became the dominant force in the creation of the United States of America, from award-winning author David O. Stewart

“An outstanding biography...[George Washington] has a narrative drive such a life deserves.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Washington's rise constitutes one of the greatest self-reinventions in history. In his mid-20s, this third son of a modest Virginia planter had ruined his own military career thanks to an outrageous ego. But by his mid-40s, that headstrong, unwise young man had evolved into an unassailable leader chosen as the commander in chief of the fledgling Continental Army. By his mid-50s, he was unanimously elected the nation's first president. How did Washington emerge from the wilderness to become the central founder of the United States of America?

In this remarkable new portrait, award-winning historian David O. Stewart unveils the political education that made Washington a master politician - and America's most essential leader. From Virginia's House of Burgesses, where Washington mastered the craft and timing of a practicing politician, to his management of local government as a justice of the Fairfax County Court to his eventual role in the Second Continental Congress and his grueling generalship in the American Revolution, Washington perfected the art of governing and service, earned trust, and built bridges. The lessons in leadership he absorbed along the way would be invaluable during the early years of the republic as he fought to unify the new nation.

©2021 David O. Stewart (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Stewart has written an outstanding biography that both avoids hagiography and acknowledges the greatness of Washington’s character, all while playing close attention to his rarely voiced but no less fierce political ambitions.... Mr. Stewart’s writing is clear, often superlative, his judgments are nuanced, and the whole has a narrative drive such a life deserves.” (The Wall Street Journal)

“David O. Stewart brings his characteristic grace and skill to this portrait of the political George Washington, liberating the most elusive of our Founders from the mists of myth to discover a shrewd and approachable human being. At a time when politics seems beyond redemption, Stewart's book is a welcome reminder of the possibilities, however imperfect, of the public arena.” (Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of His Truth Is Marching On)

“By focusing on the political genius of George Washington, David O. Stewart has produced an important new portrait of our first president. As Stewart demonstrates time and time again, with vivid prose and a wonderful sense of pacing, great leaders are also great learners. In this time of division and turmoil, this is the book we need.” (Nathaniel Philbrick, National Book Award-winning author of In the Hurricane’s Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown)

True History of a Great American Father

I have wondered about George Washington's rea
history instead of the fictional history.
I found it here.

Incredibly relevant to today’s world

We must work together, rather than to seek further division and find common ground in a world that seeks to submerge isles of sense & rationale.

The GOAT!

Wonderful recap of the most important man in our Nation’s history. It showcased his strengths and weaknesses, but more importantly showed how a person can evolve over time.

The man I never knew.

I am amazed that the right person is present at critical times in history.

Truly Excellent

The author has penetrating insights almost every other page. His first part on young Washington up to the time he took over the command of the Continental Army may be the best of any Washington biography. His description of Congress’s decision to locate the permanent US capitol on the Potomac River next to Georgetown and Washington’s behind the scenes work is Easily the best I have read on the topic. As a recent biography the author addresses the most recent scholarship including deftly addressing Washington’s slave holding. Highly recommended.