George Washington: History in an Hour

By: David B. McCoy

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 1 hr and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.

George Washington – a figure synonymous with American history. His image is known worldwide, marked on American currency, postage stamps – even a state is named after him. George Washington in an Hour explores the man beneath the symbol.

This is the essential chronicle of Washington’s life – his rise from middle class Virginian upbringing to America’s first President, elected unanimously twice. Explore Washington’s legacy – from securing Independence, to his instrumental role in writing and adopting the American constitution.

George Washington in an Hour covers Washington’s redefinition of greatness, relinquishing power not once but twice – at the end of Revolution and his second term in Presidency. Learn why Washington is still considered one of the most influential people in history, and how his impact shaped the world in this engaging overview of his life.

©2013 David B McCoy (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"If the past is a foreign country, History in an Hour is like a high-class tour operator, offering delightfully enjoyable short breaks in the rich and diverse continent of our shared past" (Dominic Sandbrook)

"The practice of History is ever-evolving, and the History In An Hour idea brings it back up to date for the digital age" (Andrew Roberts, Bookseller)

"This is genius" ( MacWorld.com)

Great information packed into one hour

I was pleasantly surprised at how much new information I was able to acquire as a result of listening to this audiobook. As someone who was already familiar with George Washington's life, I'm blown away.

Excellent book!

It was enjoyable, covered all the high points of Washington's life. it was a pleasure to find a book on Washington that didn't taint his biography with the modern habit of judging him by current standards. Washington was shown as a man of his era.
jwish the book had been a little longer.

Good summary

As a foray into the life of George Washington, you could do a lot worse. I came away with a somewhat positive feeling for him, although his weakness on slavery - owning slaves while personally saying he was against slavery - struck me as weak. This just goes to show that more often than not, money is a greater motivator than principle.

Everything in an Hour Except The Cherry Tree!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! History with all those dates and names never really made a dent in my mind in school, but to listen to a 1hour abridged version of this Great Man was impressive. The story distilled all the most important facts, battles and characteristics of a complex man from birth to death without seeming too shallow.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keeble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

GREAT NARRATION!

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

Many. I never realized how young Washington was when he started a professional career (17) and led his first troops (21). It makes you realize that The College Years have replaced good common sense and hard work of a yesteryear gone.

Any additional comments?

I NEVER realized Washington was 6ft 3in. He looks so short on The Dollar Bill! : )