Travels with George

In Search of Washington and His Legacy

By: Nathaniel Philbrick

Narrated by: Nathaniel Philbrick

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

“Travels with George...is quintessential Philbrick - a lively, courageous, and masterful achievement.” (The Boston Globe)

Does George Washington still matter? Best-selling author Nathaniel Philbrick argues for Washington’s unique contribution to the forging of America by retracing his journey as a new president through all 13 former colonies, which were now an unsure nation. Travels with George marks a new first-person voice for Philbrick, weaving history and personal reflection into a single narrative.

When George Washington became president in 1789, the United States of America was still a loose and quarrelsome confederation and a tentative political experiment. Washington undertook a tour of the ex-colonies to talk to ordinary citizens about his new government, and to imbue in them the idea of being one thing - Americans.

In the fall of 2018, Nathaniel Philbrick embarked on his own journey into what Washington called “the infant woody country” to see for himself what America had become in the 229 years since. Writing in a thoughtful first person about his own adventures with his wife, Melissa, and their dog, Dora, Philbrick follows Washington’s presidential excursions: from Mount Vernon to the new capital in New York; a monthlong tour of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island; a venture onto Long Island and eventually across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The narrative moves smoothly between the eighteenth and twenty-first centuries as we see the country through both Washington’s and Philbrick’s eyes.

Written at a moment when America’s founding figures are under increasing scrutiny, Travels with George grapples bluntly and honestly with Washington’s legacy as a man of the people, a reluctant president, and a plantation owner who held people in slavery. At historic houses and landmarks, Philbrick reports on the reinterpretations at work as he meets reenactors, tour guides, and other keepers of history’s flame. He paints a picture of 18th-century America as divided and fraught as it is today, and he comes to understand how Washington compelled, enticed, stood up to, and listened to the many different people he met along the way - and how his all-consuming belief in the union helped to forge a nation.

©2021 Nathaniel Philbrick (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Both a lighthearted travelogue and a timely exploration of Washington’s historical legacy." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Philbrick’s book addresses weighty matters but is nevertheless an enjoyable read, a fitting if unusual capstone to a trilogy on the revolution. At times, the book seems like a valedictory. The author’s many readers hope not." (The Guardian)

“In Travels With George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy, his 13th book, Nathaniel Philbrick brings his proven gift as a narrator to this on-the-road part of Washington’s life.” (The Washington Post)

Delightful history

In this book, Philbrick combines history and personal memoir, something I have not read before from this author. Philbrick follows George Washington’s travels through the US while he was president mixed with engaging stories about himself. Sometimes it get's a little dry but overall it's a good read that I would recommend.

Also, the author does a pretty good job as narrator.

A bit too lenient to be taken as a serious history

I suppose I could take a purely sycophantic biography equally well as a warts-and-all expose. But when, again and again, complicated and troublesome topics are broached and almost invariably dismissed as mere snapshots of a great but flawed man very much of his time... it's too much. Early on, the audience hears a story of transplanted teeth, pulled from slaves, and we are cautioned to not judge Washington too harshly yet. But as the story proceeds, there are repeated instances in which the man could have said, or done, something, anything to affect a positive change.... yet did nothing. We are assured, in his heart, he wished to, though. It seems the perfect example of white privilege to be able to state knowledge of injustice, claim moral outrage, yet when given the opportunity to work for progress, the great leader's famed fortitude shrivels and hides. It shows that, while it's an irritant to the conscience, it's not an existential threat, notwithstanding the rather lame excuse of maintaining national solidarity. The history books are rife with precedents set and examples made by George Washington, yet he cowers on his (allegedly) true feelings regarding slavery? It leaves him as either a hypocrite or a coward in these regards. Which is fine. It's alright to have national heroes to be known for that which is despised as that which is revered. And traditional history books, as well as this one, have given us plenty of the revered traits. But it's well time for honest less than complimentary appraisals, and this book only takes half measures in that regard.

As for the reviews which criticize the modern travel log aspect of the book... yeah, there's too much of the author and the dog, to be honest. For those reviewers who lament how often slavery and racism is mentioned... they are bigots, unwilling to look at an ugly part of national history. And as mentioned earlier, in my view, George is let off way too easily. It's just an okay book, by an author seemingly wanting to do the right thing, but not quite able to commit wholeheartedly.

Agree with negative reviews but still enjoyed it

Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy by Nathaniel Philbrick is a captivating blend of biography and travelogue that takes readers on a journey through the life and times of George Washington. Philbrick retraces Washington's footsteps on three pivotal journeys, weaving together historical insights with his own experiences to provide a fresh perspective on the Founding Father.
The book is not just a historical retelling; it's a thoughtful exploration of Washington's character and legacy. Philbrick challenges traditional portrayals of Washington as a stoic and emotionless figure, revealing a man who was deeply human, complex, and flawed. Through his travels, Philbrick brings Washington to life, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
Travels with George is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or in gaining a better understanding of one of the nation's most iconic figures. Philbrick's engaging writing style and insightful analysis make this book both informative and enjoyable.

Light Hearted - Author’s Own Travels

The overall tone of this book was very light hearted - almost felt like the authors personal travel blog. I’ve loved this author’s other works, but this was not my favorite. Was expecting more of a historical focus rather then stories of the authors own travel - too much about his dog! The author did try to interweave some of the more heavy topics of the last few years - slavery, race relations, political divides, Etc - relating them back to Washington’s life. Felt this was a bit forced for the otherwise travel-bloggy feel

Another in a line of great reading or listening

As a 70 year old, who started his love of history at age 9 at the then being reconstructed Fort Michilimackinac, Philbrick is among those few authors able to combine good historic research with great story telling. Not a bad reader either. I've listened to several of his books, and then gone on to purchase the print copies and read them. You don't have to be a "history person" to enjoy his works. You may even learn something.

I enjoyed this Audible

I enjoyed this Audible more than most I have listened to this year. I even plan on listening to it a second time. I love most of Nathaniel Philbricks audibles.

Philbrick's history with a personal touch

Like Philbrick, I'm a fan of Steinbeck's 'Travels with Charley.' Philbrick refers to Steinbeck's travel book often in retracing the trips of George Washington to visit every state in the Union accompanied by his wife Melissa and his Nova Scoatian duck-tolling retriever Droa. Philbrick debunks many of the 'Wasington slept here' myths and confirms others, often meeting with local historians. He discusses Washington's deplorable record on slavery in almost every chapter, especially Washington's Javertian pursuit of Martha's escaped slave Ona Judge. Philbrick notes that Washington in 1784, his first year back at Mount Vernon from the war, paid 122 shillings to several "Negroes" for 9 of their teeth. These presumably healthy teeth, purchased at a third of the accepted price, were pulled and used by a tooth surgeon who removed Washington's rotted teeth to be replaced by the purchased teeth in the fresh sockets. The procedure didn't work, and Philbrick notes that Washington's dentures may have also used teeth of enslaved workers. Philbrick tells good stories especially of Hamilton versus Jefferson and the spy ring at Setauket Long Island, of course visited by Washington. While obviously favoring Hamilton in his descriptions, Philbrick notes that Hamilton was also a slave owner at the time of his death.

Great for Washington fans

Enjoyed this one a lot. Interesting tid bits about GW I never knew but also a nice analysis of the country Washington hoped for and what it has actually become.

If you love GW

I liked it a lot but it was half a travel log about his trip and half about GW. Some good new stories but spaced out. Very heavy on the slavery issue.
It a part of GWs life that doesn't get attention so worth if for a GW enthusiast.

Great listen

I love all of his work but was sceptical of the premise on this one. Glad I gave it a chance. Good look into the authors life and still tons of history.