Review by Choice Review
Ferling (emer., Univ. of West Georgia) shatters the myth of a selfless, nonpartisan patriarch who wielded power without ambition. In reality, George Washington was a leader who consistently outmaneuvered rivals and political foes alike. Washington was motivated by legitimate political interests and goals that surfaced at an early age. By moving beyond the image of a noble and disinterested leader, Ferling helps readers appreciate a brilliant, albeit flawed, leader. In fact, Washington astutely manipulated others to achieve his aims. By 1785, Washington realized that the Union's survival coincided with his own interests and acclaim. As a result, Washington supported efforts to create a stronger national government. Not surprisingly, he also supported the Federalists and particularly supported Andrew Hamilton's policies, crafted to favor the nation's urban and commercial elite. "With the hidden skills of an illusionist," writes Ferling, "Washington combined discerning statesmanship with the partisanship of a chief executive with a political agenda." (p. 371) Washington was loved precisely because he had created an image of not seeking power for himself. In Ferling's opinion, however, Washington was a masterful politician who deserves to be recognized as one of the very best in US history. An outstanding book. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. J. L. Brudvig Dickinson State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
American Revolution historian Ferling doubts that Washington was the apolitical character he professed to be. Sensing that such biographers as James Flexner and Joseph Ellis have accepted the above-politics thesis, Ferling inspects the evidence of Washington's political activities. At an initial level those involve, for anyone seeking political recognition, self-promotion. Washington, born into the middle but aspiring to the top of the colonial heap, attracted attention through military heroism. Ferling checks that off as a task accomplished for the young squire, detecting in it two Washingtonian techniques that he incorporated into his political method blaming others for his failures (e.g., his 1754 defeat at Fort Necessity) and being seen to accept commissions out of duty, not ambition. Ferling otherwise portrays Washington politicking to benefit his various business interests, and to further belie Washington's nonpartisan reputation, recounts episodes of his presidency in which Washington favored Federalists against Jefferson and Madison's Republicans. While illustrating the substance behind Washington's image as the indispensable man, Ferling pointedly grounds that image in the political soil from which it sprang.--Taylor, Gilbert Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Ferling (history, emeritus, Univ. of West Georgia; Almost a Miracle) attempts to shed new light on the myth that George Washington was above partisan politics, instead showing that Washington was not only very partisan but probably one of America's best politicians. In fact, Ferling argues, he was so skilled at portraying himself as the impartial "father of the country" that most historians have overlooked his political savvy. Ferling seeks to remedy the situation with this "political biography." He traces Washington's evolution from a self-serving and insecure young man driven by a quest for recognition and wealth into a seasoned political veteran who could maneuver, cajole, and cut backroom deals as adroitly as any modern politician. One example is his handling of the Hamilton-Jefferson battles over the country's economic structure. Although Washington showed sympathy toward both sides and urged conciliation, it becomes clear by studying his behavior and writings at the time that he supported Hamilton's vision of a strong central government. Ferling has done his research and offers some new insights, but ultimately most of the history he presents is familiar. Recommended for readers interested in taking a fresh look at Washington's political life.-Robert Flatley, Kutztown Univ., PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Historian Ferling (Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence, 2007, etc.) unveils the canny politician behind America's first president. In a revisionist view, the author argues that Washington, generally thought of as a selfless Olympian figure who was above politics, was actually "a master of political infightingone of the very best politicians in American history." Reminding readers of the president's godlike status at his death in 1799people wore black armbands for 30 daysFerling examines the career of this soldier, legislator and president, finding him burned with ambition for renown and success from an early age. Born with a meager inheritance and determined to enter the planter aristocracy, Washington kowtowed to the rich and powerful for a chance at winning glory as commander of Virginia's army in the French and Indian War, laying the groundwork for his postwar political ambitions. After 16 years in Virginia's House of Burgesses, where he cultivated other assemblyman as supporters, he took command of the Continental Army at no salary, burnishing his reputation as a self-denying warrior and emerging after the War for Independence as America's most powerful man. Ferling's bright narrative offers considerable evidence of Washington's savvy politicking in these later years. He sought a canal linking the Atlantic to the Ohio country that would cause his own lands to soar in value; after 1783 he twice declined to hold public office, knowing full well that the nation would demand that he leave the quiet of Mount Vernon to assume the presidency; as president he argued for locating the nation's capital in an area where he owned property. Never questioning Washington's greatness, Ferling insists that seeing him as an artful self-promoter and master politician only enhances his reputation as an adept leader who knew exactly what he was doing. In fact, writes the author, Washington "was so good at politics that he alone of all of America's public officials in the past two centuries succeeded in convincing others that he was not a politician." A fresh take on a monumental American. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
