Inventing George Washington : America's founder, in myth and memory / Edward G. Lengel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lengel, Edward G.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Washington, George, 1732-1799.

Washington, George.

Presidents--United States--Biography.

Presidents.

United States.

Generals--United States--Biography.

Generals.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xviii, 249 pages ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Harper, [2011]

Summary:

This entertaining and erudite history offers a fresh look at America's first Founding Father, the creation of his legend, and what it means for our nation and ourselves. Washington's death in 1799 dealt a blow to public morale. For three decades, Americans had depended on his leadership. Now, they desperately needed to believe that Washington would continue to be there for them--thus began his immortalization. Historian Lengel shows how the late president and war hero continued to serve his nation on two levels: the public Washington evolved into a symbol as Father of His Country, while the private man remained always just out of reach. As Lengel shows, the contrasting urges to deify Washington and to understand him as a man have produced tensions in every generation. As some exalted him, others sought to bring him down to earth, creating a series of competing mythologies that depicted Washington as every sort of human being imaginable.--From publisher description.

Contents:

Washington lives, dies, and is reborn

Washington turns a profit

Washington's loves

Washington's visions

Washington slept here

Washington debunked

The indispensable man

The living myth.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780061662584

0061662585

OCLC:

612349106