George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father

In 1757, George Washington was at a fork in the road in his career and life. He helped lead militias in bloody skirmishes against French and Indian troops but had been on the losing end. At twenty-five years of age, he was in ill health(dysentery) and his momentum was stalled. He decided to leave the battlefield behind and return home. His maturity as a leader grew when he undertook a career in politics. By the time he assumed leadership of the Continental Army in 1775, George Washington emerged as a different person.

He not only led his soldiers but watched over them and fought for their rights. Washington’s victories and defeats often followed in lockstep, yet his perseverance defined him. His resolute leadership stood out for the rest of America to view and later seek as a leader.

George Washington’s life has been written about & at times mythologized for hundreds of years, which often downplays his trials and tribulations. Author David O. Stewart remedies this with his outstanding biography. Washington’s life is never dull, whether weathering frigid Valley Forge or blocking internal coup attempts. He is enigmatic as he fought for liberty while running a farm with slave labor. Washington remains a transfixing figure. This is a biography not to be missed.