Travels with George

In Search of Washington and His Legacy

By: Nathaniel Philbrick

Narrated by: Nathaniel Philbrick

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

Does George Washington still matter? Bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick argues for Washington’s unique contribution to the forging of America by retracing his journey as a new president through all thirteen 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 eighteenth-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.

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

Excellent analysis of Washington’s Legacy

Everyone should be reading this book right now, as we reflect on the current state of our country, and the hopes we have for a more unified feature.

Loved every minute!

I loved every minute of this book! It was so amazing to get to know George Washington! He was an amazing man! Everyone should read this book.

Perfect all around

Loved this book and having it read by the author was the icing on the cake. I appreciate how Nathaniel Philbrick did such a good job of including important details such as the complexity of dealing with the freedom of those enslaved by him and his family. This, along with his pursuit in anger of one of his wive’s slave Ona escaping let us see how he was “just a man,” as the legend goes by so many at the time. Only the pronunciation of Edisto was incorrect, just something only those who live down here in this state would probably notice :) wish man dad had lived to read the book as he was as in the American Revolution round table, loved Washington and one of his favorite generals who did so much to help turn the tide and win the war, Benedict Arnold. There’s a great idea, travels with Arnold. (We have made his first name one none in the US dare name a baby boy!) But I guess I digress! Another excellent book by Mr. Philbrick.

The detailed travelogue a mix of modern and historic travels.

Easy voice to listen to. Interesting topic. Learned so many new facts about G. W. Good writing. Dog character was sweet also!

A delightful book.

A delightful book but more of a travelogue than the typical Philbrick history book. Full of interesting tidbits not found in a number of other books on Washington. Born and raised in the Waxhaws of the Carolinas, I was amused at the pronunciations of a number of places in the Carolinas. Maybe Philbrick needed a copy of the book Proper Mispronunciation of Places in South Carolina.

Enlightening

Well written and well read. Should be a part of every high school curriculum.

Evan's Review

If you like early American History I strongly recommend this book. Serveral things I learned about Washington I never had read are heard about him personally the author writes in this book. Also growing up in the small community of Reeds in North Carolina I knew Washington had traveled thru between Salisbury and Salem and had stop at a Traven called th Red House Inn for lunch. Growing up the traven was located on the property own by best friend parents. We would play around were the traven location and you see the trsven foundation and the dug out cellar.

Fantastic

Riveting book. He really did a good job capturing the humanity of President Washington.

As an 11th generation American, living in Massachusetts, surrounded by the history of our republic; I wish we had a centrist, compromising leader like President Washington today. Someone to Lead us back to the unity our Republic needs.

God Bless America.