Description
Book SynopsisPresents a collection of contemporary letters, poems, addresses and newspaper reports that demonstrate the remarkable esteem in which Washington was held. This selection of materials shows that in his life Washington had already become the Father of his country and was acclaimed for his sense of honor, his heroism, and his wisdom.
Trade ReviewAn impressive collection. . . . [It] makes an important contribution to the study of Washington's life and times. * The New York Times *
These documents demonstrate Washington and his colleagues' shrewd use of his image in the move to revamp the central government. . . . Washington's election, inauguration, and presidential tours, Federalist writers believed, had overcome the dangerously divisive spirit of party and united all hearts in support of the new government. . . . Some of their effusions seem incredibly overblown today. . . . But in fact many Americans did adore their hero as the embodiment of their fledgling nation and of their hopes and ideals. . . . These documents have been carefully researched and edited. The commentary is neither critical nor analytical. Readers will have to evaluate the significance of the materials themselves, but taken together they are fascinating even to the historian familiar with them. * Journal of Southern History *
The editors have discovered contemporary poetry and published commentary that have never been reprinted. The adulation of Washington may stun some readers. . . . Kaminski and McCaughan have produced an appealing and thought provoking work which demonstrates that by 1787 most free Americans truly loved George Washington. * New York History *
Table of ContentsPreface Foreword Introduction Chapter 1: The Legacy: General Washington's Parting Advice Chapter 2: Retirement Abandoned: The Constitutional Convention Chapter 3: Answering the Call: The Election of a President Chapter 4: Meeting the People: Presidential Tours Chapter 5: The Second Retirement
