Rating: 
Summary: It takes chaos to create something new
Review: Let's start on a personal note: I was in Cuba in January 1959, when the brutal dictator Fulgencio Batista fled in the middle of the night and Fidel Castro began making his way across the country to Havana. The Cuban celebrations of the collapse of tyranny and terror were much like the events described in this book, a continuing rum-fueled celebration that lasted days and days in a nation at last free after years of terror. Castro made a triumphal procession across the country as a godlike liberator, just as Washington was hailed as the greatest man of his times. It is nice to celebrate the end of a war -- think of George Bush strutting across the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, wearing a borrowed flight suit with the banner 'Mission Accomplished' in the background. But, freedom is much more; it generates an ecstasy that stirs every emotion the heart, not merely the limited glory of victory, but also an unbounded hope for a better and brighter future without fear, fright or futility. Washington, with a knowledge and wisdom rare among revolutionary leaders, went back to his farm. The ultimate tribute came from King George III, who personally knew something about the temptations and dangers of power, when he said that if Washington actually did return to his farm "he will be the greatest man in the world." Think of Cuba today had Castro retired to a little rancho and learned how to cut cane instead of crushing gusanos. In Haiti, Jean Bertrand Aristide should have gone back to the priesthood after he tossed out the Duvalier regime. The list of "liberators" who seize power and try to impose their own rules is almost universal; Washington patterned his retirement after the Roman hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus "who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honor, and withdrew from public life, to enjoy civium cum dignitate." Unlike Cincinnatus, who was twice recalled from his farm to become dictator, Washington was recalled from his farm only to establish an enduring legacy of democracy. It is a rare quality. Weintraub describes those perilous times with painful detail. Painful? It was a time of chaos in America, much to the satisfaction of the English who thought the independent colonies would collapse of internal confusion. Congress was even flakier then than now. A third of Americans were loyalists who had supported King George; Washington understood the power of reconciliation rather than the retribution of describing anyone who had not supported him as an enemy. In 1783, Washington kept urging greater power for the central government. He could have become dictator and imposed his own regal solution; instead, he stepped back and let the people and Congress, however slow in their many imperfections, gradually work out the system that now exists. Everyone was slow to listen, waiting until 1787 to even begin writing a new Constitution. But, after trying all other solutions, they finally listened to Washington. The old boy may have had wooden (or ivory) teeth, but there was no wood between his ears. Weintraub has written a masterful book outlining the chaos, confusion and cupidity of the time; explaining how from the primordial soup of American independence a resolute democracy emerged. This book helps explain the resolute independence of the American spirit, nicely summed up by a departing British officer, "These Americans are a curious, original people; they know how to govern themselves, but nobody else can govern them." It was a wonderful tribute to an exceptional people, and this book nicely explains the mood of the times.
Rating:
Summary: It takes chaos to create something new
Review: Let's start on a personal note: I was in Cuba in January 1959, when the brutal dictator Fulgencio Batista fled in the middle of the night and Fidel Castro began making his way across the country to Havana. The Cuban celebrations of the collapse of tyranny and terror were much like the events described in this book, a continuing rum-fueled celebration that lasted days and days in a nation at last free after years of terror. Castro made a triumphal procession across the country as a godlike liberator, just as Washington was hailed as the greatest man of his times. It is nice to celebrate the end of a war -- think of George Bush strutting across the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, wearing a borrowed flight suit with the banner 'Mission Accomplished' in the background. But, freedom is much more; it generates an ecstasy that stirs every emotion the heart, not merely the limited glory of victory, but also an unbounded hope for a better and brighter future without fear, fright or futility. Washington, with a knowledge and wisdom rare among revolutionary leaders, went back to his farm. The ultimate tribute came from King George III, who personally knew something about the temptations and dangers of power, when he said that if Washington actually did return to his farm "he will be the greatest man in the world." Think of Cuba today had Castro retired to a little rancho and learned how to cut cane instead of crushing gusanos. In Haiti, Jean Bertrand Aristide should have gone back to the priesthood after he tossed out the Duvalier regime. The list of "liberators" who seize power and try to impose their own rules is almost universal; Washington patterned his retirement after the Roman hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus "who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honor, and withdrew from public life, to enjoy civium cum dignitate." Unlike Cincinnatus, who was twice recalled from his farm to become dictator, Washington was recalled from his farm only to establish an enduring legacy of democracy. It is a rare quality. Weintraub describes those perilous times with painful detail. Painful? It was a time of chaos in America, much to the satisfaction of the English who thought the independent colonies would collapse of internal confusion. Congress was even flakier then than now. A third of Americans were loyalists who had supported King George; Washington understood the power of reconciliation rather than the retribution of describing anyone who had not supported him as an enemy. In 1783, Washington kept urging greater power for the central government. He could have become dictator and imposed his own regal solution; instead, he stepped back and let the people and Congress, however slow in their many imperfections, gradually work out the system that now exists. Everyone was slow to listen, waiting until 1787 to even begin writing a new Constitution. But, after trying all other solutions, they finally listened to Washington. The old boy may have had wooden (or ivory) teeth, but there was no wood between his ears. Weintraub has written a masterful book outlining the chaos, confusion and cupidity of the time; explaining how from the primordial soup of American independence a resolute democracy emerged. This book helps explain the resolute independence of the American spirit, nicely summed up by a departing British officer, "These Americans are a curious, original people; they know how to govern themselves, but nobody else can govern them." It was a wonderful tribute to an exceptional people, and this book nicely explains the mood of the times.
Rating: 
Summary: The turnover of power to the Congress.
Review: The author does a good job of detailing why George Washington was a great man. Rather than become a King or dictator after the War of Independence, he returned his commission to the Congress and returned to Mount Vernon. This was after eight years of separation from his home. His only desire was to depart from the public stage and resume his private life. This was unlike most people who would have clung to power. Washington wanted to become a private citizen again. This book details his change from a military general to a private citizen.
Washington takes control of New York from the departing British,
says farewell to his soldiers and other officers, returns the commission to the Congress in Annapolis, and gets home in time for a Mount Vernon Christmas Eve. This brief period says alot what Washington was and why people wanted him to be their leader.
Weintraub does a good summary job of describing this two week episode in the life of the first American President. By his example, the military would always be controlled by the civilian government. The importance of Washington is shown in this short story and good read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent light reading. Good introduction.
Review: The book is short, light, and a pleasure to read. I especially recommend it to anyone with little background in the issues faced by the new nation at the end of British occupation. The format is narrative and the organization chronological. It tells the story of George Washington and his reception by both his former foes and his (literally) adoring public from his last headquarters in Newburgh, New York, through the reoccupation of New York City, his farewell to his officers, his progress through Philadelphia to Annapolis, Maryland - where he resigned his commission and relinquished military power - and his return home to Mt. Vernon barely in time for Christmas. Along the way the reader is treated to fascinating vignettes of individuals who had played and would again play crucial roles in the formation of the United States. There are glimpses of life and customs during the colonial and early federal era. Also, as we follow Washington's progress we are introduced to the political and economic issues that would bedevil the early republic -- unstable currencies, war debt, restitution of or compensation for confiscated royalist property, national reconciliation, western lands, and trade and commerce. Most importantly, the author describes, through Washington's views and pronouncements, the critical tension between the sovereignty of thirteen new states and the need for a national government capable of providing common defense, a uniform commercial environment, and consistent foreign policy. This was to be among the most important themes in Washington's future. Finally, and most movingly, the author highlights the "Cincinnatus theme" -- Washington's determination to relinquish his command and his commission and to return to private life. When, between the conclusion of the peace treaty and the British evacuation, George III observed that the rule of America was at Washington's disposition, a companion informed him of the General's plan to resign and return to private life. More than two hundred years later, we may be pardoned if we agree with His Majesty's response that, if Washington were to take such an action that he would be "by damn, the greatest man of the age." The scholar or the afficionado will not find here profound analysis or groundbreaking research. This is a pleasure trip.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent light reading. Good introduction.
Review: The book is short, light, and a pleasure to read. I especially recommend it to anyone with little background in the issues faced by the new nation at the end of British occupation. The format is narrative and the organization chronological. It tells the story of George Washington and his reception by both his former foes and his (literally) adoring public from his last headquarters in Newburgh, New York, through the reoccupation of New York City, his farewell to his officers, his progress through Philadelphia to Annapolis, Maryland - where he resigned his commission and relinquished military power - and his return home to Mt. Vernon barely in time for Christmas. Along the way the reader is treated to fascinating vignettes of individuals who had played and would again play crucial roles in the formation of the United States. There are glimpses of life and customs during the colonial and early federal era. Also, as we follow Washington's progress we are introduced to the political and economic issues that would bedevil the early republic -- unstable currencies, war debt, restitution of or compensation for confiscated royalist property, national reconciliation, western lands, and trade and commerce. Most importantly, the author describes, through Washington's views and pronouncements, the critical tension between the sovereignty of thirteen new states and the need for a national government capable of providing common defense, a uniform commercial environment, and consistent foreign policy. This was to be among the most important themes in Washington's future. Finally, and most movingly, the author highlights the "Cincinnatus theme" -- Washington's determination to relinquish his command and his commission and to return to private life. When, between the conclusion of the peace treaty and the British evacuation, George III observed that the rule of America was at Washington's disposition, a companion informed him of the General's plan to resign and return to private life. More than two hundred years later, we may be pardoned if we agree with His Majesty's response that, if Washington were to take such an action that he would be "by damn, the greatest man of the age." The scholar or the afficionado will not find here profound analysis or groundbreaking research. This is a pleasure trip.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but poorly written
Review: The story is interesting and the content well-researched. Kudos to the author for a job well done. However, Stanley Weintraub's writing is horrible. Paragraphs do not flow well, and Weintraub often interrupts his writing to provide information that is of questionable relevance.
Rating:
Summary: A Long Journey Home For The Original American Hero
Review: This book is a masterwork. There may be other books on the subject, but I can't imagine any other book capturing the bittersweet moments of George Washington's return to Mount Vernon after the Revolution more poignantly than Stanley Weintraub does here. The book begins in November 1783 and details Washington's long trip home, and brilliantly captures the trials of long distance travel, as well as the joys of receiving the outpourings of gratitude from his countrymen as he passed through towns and villages.
The book gives great insight into the character of Washington and his amazing leadership qualities. I think any reader will better appreciate the suffering and personal sacrifice of this original American patriot after reading this book. The book details the drama of the signing of the final peace treaty with England (assisted by Benjamin Franklin in France), the withdrawal of English troops from New York (a fascinating and oft overlooked drama in and of itself), and the personal interactions of George Washington and other key leaders necessary to keep the coalition of States together in the fight against the British. Particular detail is reserved for efforts to meet the US Army payroll, which, then as now, had substantial Congressional problems as well as issues relating to unwillingness of some States to be taxed.
The most interesting facet of the book, though, is the examination of the personal motivations driving Washington. In contrast to most powerful leaders (and Washington at the time was revered enough that he turned down the opportunity to be King of the United States), Washington desired to do his duty, and once having completed his mission by winning the Revolutionary War, to retire from public service. Great detail is spent on the preparations necessary for Washington to resign his commission, and the account of the ceremony and celebrations involved are detailed, scrupulously researched, and thrilling to read.
This is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to anyone, particularly to people who would like to know more about the emotions, motivations, and character of George Washington, the original American patriot.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but I ain't staying up late to finish it.
Review: When the American Revolutionary war ended in November 1783, George Washington made up his mind that he was going to make it home to Mount Vernon by Christmas. But first he had to accept the transfer of power from the British, say his farewells to his troops, and resign his commission to Congress; only then could he begin his homeward journal. Washington barely made it home by Christmas, arriving on Christmas Eve.
This is a good story and well-written, but I can't imagine why it is given so many 5-star ratings. Some books are good because of action and some because of a build-up to an action-kind of like the calm before the storm. This story, on the other hand, is like the calm after the storm. There is no build up to anything really; everything exciting has already happened. Yes, it is good history, and somewhat of a touching story, but it isn't a 5-star book by any means.
It is a good book, and I am glad I read it; but after reading such glowing recommendations, I was somewhat disappointed. To those who already know a good deal about George Washington, there will probably not be anything presented in this book that they do not already know. To those that know little of George Washington, this book will offer some information they probably didn't' know.
But this is not a ground-shaking book. It is a well-written story about George Washington's desire to get home before Christmas. It is a story of a time of sorrowful farewells. And it is a story of a great man who could have been a king but walked away from it.
But don't go out and buy "General Washington's Christmas Farewell" thinking it is a book you will stay up at night reading because you can't put it down. It just isn't one of those books.
I would say that this book is better written than average, but the subject is less interesting than average, and it seems as if the author included some material just to increase the length of the book, so overall it equals out to a middle-of-the-road rating of 2-stars. I would have given it a 2-1/2 if I could, but I can't justify a three. Really, this isn't a book I recommend to someone to get them interested in history or George Washington. I would borrow this book from a library, not buy it.
I must learn to beware of those who write book reviews because they are paid by the publishing company to do so. It tends to distort the opinion, you know!
Rating:
Summary: Okay, but I ain't staying up late to finish it.
Review: When the American Revolutionary war ended in November 1783, George Washington made up his mind that he was going to make it home to Mount Vernon by Christmas. But first he had to accept the transfer of power from the British, say his farewells to his troops, and resign his commission to Congress; only then could he begin his homeward journal. Washington barely made it home by Christmas, arriving on Christmas Eve.
This is a good story and well-written, but I can't imagine why it is given so many 5-star ratings. Some books are good because of action and some because of a build-up to an action-kind of like the calm before the storm. This story, on the other hand, is like the calm after the storm. There is no build up to anything really; everything exciting has already happened. Yes, it is good history, and somewhat of a touching story, but it isn't a 5-star book by any means.
It is a good book, and I am glad I read it; but after reading such glowing recommendations, I was somewhat disappointed. To those who already know a good deal about George Washington, there will probably not be anything presented in this book that they do not already know. To those that know little of George Washington, this book will offer some information they probably didn't' know.
But this is not a ground-shaking book. It is a well-written story about George Washington's desire to get home before Christmas. It is a story of a time of sorrowful farewells. And it is a story of a great man who could have been a king but walked away from it.
But don't go out and buy "General Washington's Christmas Farewell" thinking it is a book you will stay up at night reading because you can't put it down. It just isn't one of those books.
I would say that this book is better written than average, but the subject is less interesting than average, and it seems as if the author included some material just to increase the length of the book, so overall it equals out to a middle-of-the-road rating of 2-stars. I would have given it a 2-1/2 if I could, but I can't justify a three. Really, this isn't a book I recommend to someone to get them interested in history or George Washington. I would borrow this book from a library, not buy it.
I must learn to beware of those who write book reviews because they are paid by the publishing company to do so. It tends to distort the opinion, you know!
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