Rating: 
Summary: An Indispensable American History Lesson
Review: I normally can't read biographical books without falling into a coma. This book was quite an exception.Being a member of a local SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) chapter, I thought I should learn more about the Revolution and Washington than I did in school. I was truly amazed at how much INTERESTING information this short book had that I'd never known before. This book is very readable and provides a wealth of information about this amazing man and the early years of our nation. After reading this book, you'll appreciate how hard it was to maintain a democracy even after we won the war. I probably would have enjoyed American History at school if this book was taught rather than a snippet here or a date there. This book gives great background and tells enough of what was happening in American and Europe to understand the significance of Washington's decisions and actions. The only negative thing about this book is the author's clear bias when describing some of Washington's contemporaries. It is one thing to explain what some of them did (which could have destroyed America as we know it), but the name calling detracted from the feel of the narrative. Excellent work, Mr. Flexner!
Rating:
Summary: The Best One Volume Biography of America's Greatest Man
Review: I only write reviews of the books I feel very strongly about. James Thomas Flexner is, along with Douglas Freeman, considered to be the preiminant Washington scholar. He also happens to be a world class writer. For those of you who do not have the time, or interest, in reading Flexner's monumental 4 volume biography of Washingon, you could not find a better single volume on the life of the most important man in American history. Most great men turn out to be less great the closer you examine their accomplishments. Washington is one of the few whose legend doesn't go far enough. Read Flexner's book and see why George Washington was an icon in his own lifetime... Adored by the great men of his age, beloved by the people, and a moral example who is as relevant to the American experience today as he was two hundred plus years ago. This is a great work of history and a great read. If I had the power, I would make this book required reading for every American citizen.
Rating:
Summary: Washington: A Wonderful and Great Man
Review: I read this book perhaps two years ago. I can't get it out of my mind. This was a truely great, generous leader. He, alone, I think, was responsible for holding American together during the Revolution and the stormy years that followed. Everyone who came to know him well, loved him. I had the same feeling through reading this book. I thank the author.
Rating: 
Summary: Important Biography of George Washington
Review: I've read this book, Richard Norton Smith's "Partiarch" and North Callahan's "George Washington: Soldier and Man" successively, so this might not me the most accurate review. I read all three in an effort to understand Washington the man. Another Amazon reviewer rightly points out that the other "greats" of the era, including Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton et al. look to Washington, but I could never quite understand why. Reading these books has convinced me that the only way we could understand this mystery is to actually meet GW. This being impossible, the next best thing would be to read some Washington books to appreciate the things GW did for our nation. Another Amazon reviewer gives us a brief list of some actions that give us a hint to GW's personality and leadership skills. Let me emphasize that this is a BRIEF list. There is a reason Washington is put on a dollar bill, why our capital, a state and several counties are named after him and why he is called "first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen." Now that I've established the importance of reading about Washington, Flexner's book a one volume account of Washington's life that I recommend. While he does move rather fast at times and while I disagree with Flexner's belief that Washington is a diest, he does present a fine account of his our Founding Father's life. Flexner espicially allows us to understand how Washington goes about making decisions and why these decisions were so respected in the Early American community
Rating:
Summary: Washington the Indispensable Man
Review: In his book, Washington the Indispensable Man, James T. Flexner attempts to show just how important Washington was in the development of this country. Washington was not a diplomat or a great intellect nor was he a master of military strategy. What he was, was a self-made man; a leader of men who commanded respect and loyalty. Without this quiet self-effacing, the Revolutionary War might not have been won. Washington's self control, dignity, common sense and his basic character made him a truly indispensable man for the times. The author subdivides George Washington's life into three major categories: military man, statesman and finally George Washington human being. He gave great insight into all areas. James T. Flexner has done a remarkable job with this book. He brings George Washington alive within its pages. The man is certainly more than the myth. The book flows and takes us from a young Washington of 1732 to the death of a true hero in 1799. There are not an abundance of maps or pictures in the book, but what there is, is sufficient. They enhance the book rather than detract from it. This book is very eash to read and extremely interesting. Mr. Flexner drives home the point that George Washington was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things during extraordinary times.
Rating:
Summary: Please read this messige
Review: Please send me email adress or tell me how can i contact with writer Flexner,James Tomas.Please email me the answert.Thank you wery much.
Rating:
Summary: The subtitle says it all.
Review: Reading this biography, one is left with the impression that if any one man embodies the ideals that define America, then it must be Washington. As if it was his destiny, Washington was at the nexis of many important events in American history. We are indebted to him.
Rating:
Summary: This book changed my life-really
Review: Several years ago, I spent Thanksgiving with the parents of a friend of mine and started reading this book based on their reccomendation. Well, this book so inspired me, I've continued with biographies of most of our Founding Fathers(including Flexner's "Young Hamilton") as well as the other Presidents and into the Civil War. James Thomas Flexner brings to life a man whom I only knew as the first President, the guy on the dollar bill, and yes, the one who chopped down the cherry tree. My perspective on American history and the man responsible for such a great piece of our history was completely changed by this book. It reads like a novel, though I admit was a bit rough getting started. Once in, however, I was hooked. This biography takes you through Washington's early years as a child, his courtship struggles and life as a surveyor: then, we travel with our hero through the Revolutionary War, the precarious aftermath and his tenure as the first President of the newly founded nation. Flexner shows us that much of this was, for Washington, a struggle indeed, and he seems very much the reluctant hero, whose journey is destined for greatness in spite of himself and the enormous odds against him. It is an epic journey masterfully navigated by Flexner. This biography is worthy of it's subject. If you are an American, read it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Biography of the First President
Review: Since I did not read the original four-volume biography, I do not know what material was not used in the condensed single volume. However, in my humble opinion, the single volume is a good read.
The narrative of Washington's life is smooth reading - chapters were often less than 10 pages and dealt with only one theme in Washington's life rather than the 30-40 page chapters dealing with a variety of issues seen in other biographies. Sometimes I find lengthy chapters to be distracting.
Particularly enjoyable were the narratives of: Washington's early life, French and Indian War service, Revolutionary War service, life with Martha Washington and her children, and military/political relationships with other famous figures of his day. Since I am an ex-military officer and am not a political junkie, the military aspects of the biography more interesting than the political narratives. I gained a greater appreciation of Washington went through to lead the colonies to victory in the Revolutionary War and the intense political pressures he experienced during the war and his presidency. Reading on how he endured and stood strong only increased my respect for the man.
Whether a high school/college student, history buff, biography fan, you will enjoy reading this condensed biography of our first president. The book manages to include many details of Washington's life and avoids becoming a dry read.
Read and enjoy, highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Good one volume biography of Washington
Review: That this is an abridgement of a larger and more thoughtful work is evident in several chapter transitions, particularly in the later years of Washington's life. Although the book is enjoyable and worthwhile, it lacks the excitement that is apparent in such recent works as Angel in the Whirlwind.
| 
