![]() ![]() If you think our Congress is more polarized than it has ever been, and that the “dirty tricks” of candidates have gone beyond decency, you haven’t read enough about Jefferson and Madison. You can get a new perspective on current politics from glimpsing at the savagery and vituperation of the founding period. ![]() He was deliberate and exacting, “with a mind neither quick nor nimble,” groping his way to decisions – not always the best trait to exhibit on the battlefield.Ģ. For example, Washington could be harsh and demanding, expecting the same standards of perfection he had for himself by all who worked for him, including slaves. You will find, in addition to their good qualities, that the Founders had a number of less-than-admirable traits. You can begin to understand how different the actual history of the Founding Fathers (Washington and others as well) is from that which is promulgated in schools and in popular culture. Still, you may ask, why would one want to wade through more than 800 pages to read all about George Washington? There are a number of very good reasons.ġ. Chernow’s goal is to turn Washington the Myth into Washington the Man, and I believe he accomplishes at least that much and more. ![]() Ron Chernow gives us Washington’s whole life in one book, which allows us to get a sense of how Washington evolved over time to become who he did. Most books on George Washington cover only selected aspects of his life: for example, his role in the American Revolution, or his presidency. ![]()
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