Historical Biographies of Presidents, Books 3 and 4

George Washington - Beyond Independence and Thomas Jefferson - The Architect of Freedom in the Modern World

By: J. R. MacGregor

Narrated by: Kevin Kollins

Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

No two men are more synonymous with what it means to be “American”. From leading the Continental Army in the battle for American Independence and being the first president of the United States to the writer of the Declaration of Independence and one of the most popular leaders in American History, these two embody what it means to be free.

In this two-book set, you'll learn not only what made them American legends, but also what shaped their early years and made them who they were. From their childhood struggles and what kept them moving forward to their early years in politics and the personal battles they fought. It’s all here.

George Washington

We’ve learned a lot about George Washington - some of it myth, most of it true. What we often forget to understand are the motivations that caused him to drive the quest for independence to its successful conclusion. The causes can’t be distilled into a few areas or moments in time; rather, it is best to look at his life and understand the elements that surrounded him and preceded him.

Washington’s life was unlike most men in his position. He had an uncommon zeal for life and an unrelenting quest for justice and truth. It was that strain of his soul that finally overflowed the boundaries of his patience and caused him to undertake what some would call a treasonous journey.

But, it was never about the disloyalty that he had for Britain. It was about the sense of right and wrong that put him in the position to fight the battles that he did and take up a cause that finally saw the severing of ties that bound us to tyranny.

He was, somehow, at all the places that lead to this one outcome. He was at the first reconnaissance mission that alerted him to French intentions. He was at the point where the French commander was scalped, which sparked retribution. That retribution spilled over into the French and Indian War, which then spilled over into the Seven Years’ War. That war dwindled the Bank of England’s resources, which led to taxes on the colonies without representation, and that kicked off the realization in the colonies that only they could stand up for themselves.

This audiobook contains that story - a biography of a man and a country.

Thomas Jefferson

Much is misunderstood about the man who bequeathed us with a framework of what it means to be free and live in a democracy. As a founding father, Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in defining and disseminating what it meant to be an American before an America existed. Washington may have won the battles on the field, but Jefferson won the battles in our hearts. That is why he is still fondly remembered and cherished.

Born in Virginia, Jefferson lived a privileged life and received the best education money could buy. He was schooled in many languages and grew up under the force of a classical education. He learned to think for himself and conducted his affairs with dignity and grace. This audiobook leaves out most of what is commonly known about Jefferson and focuses on the environment he was raised in and the circumstances that guided his mind toward the accomplishment that bears his name.

The battles he fought with himself had to do with things we take for granted on most days. His mind was filled with matters of freedom and elements of democracy. His love was reading, his challenge was writing, and he did both with distinction. To understand America, one has to understand Jefferson. It is a course in citizenship.

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An excellent, thorough and beautifully

The depth and scope of the research is amazing a well-supported. The writing is first-rate, compelling, thoughtful, and honest. I expected the book to be good but it is better than I ever thought it could be.

Absorbing and interesting

Very absorbing and interesting. Puts the listener in the midst of the foundations of our country. Also gives the listener a full picture of a complicated man.

Amazing biography

I don't completely trust MacGregor, who occasionally pulls something ridiculous, but I was very impressed with this book. This is what he can do with an admirable, closely-studied man and overwhelming documentation -- unlike in some of his other biographies, I almost never had the sense that he'd hit a period where he had no material (Grant) or no understanding of a sudden shift in behavior (Hamilton). Really quite an excellent work.

Great story

The author has written a wonderful book on them but Thomas Jefferson and a young America political system. Excellent storytelling to match our nation's history but without stale facts.

A great historical work.

This biography was very well written as are all of MacGregor books. You could tell that a great amount of research went into this work. After listening this piece of history my understanding of revolutionary politics and Jefferson's republicanism is much better understood. There was great incite into his personality and how history around him shaped his positions and decision making . A must listen for all history enthusiasts.

Excellent listen

I loved this book because of all the detail about the man's life, things I had never heard before, like his penchant for mockingbirds as pets. I thought it was an honest look at a real human being who just happened to change the world.

Amazing Book

This book explains the difficulty of creating the United States of America as well as the sacrifices George Washington made to ensure we created a more perfect Union for all American Citizens.

Great listen

I bought this book to listen over the summer, and I was not disappointed. The story of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington is unlike any other, and MacGregor is masterful at telling it. The book is long, but it didn't feel that way listening it. If you're interested in history, The Revolutionary War, and the founding of America, then this book is definitely one to add to your bookshelf.

Highly recommended

A very balanced and detailed exploration of the life of our first US President. The book helps clarify the common myths of George Washington and enables the listener to reassess the person beyond the idealistic poses of 18th century paintings. Despite the passage of time, one can see similarities in the past and current political environments. The exception being that we don't have a George Washington to unify us, even momentarily.

Extraordinary American

A thoroughly enjoyable biography that covers the formative years of America. After last studying American History in college, it was wonderful to learn more insight into the most influential figures in the shaping of the United States. A highly recommended listen !