The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon Audiobook

" Focuses on the political nature of George Washington. Most history books depict Washington as someone who "greatness was thrust upon him." Here, Washington is depicted as always having an agenda, even if that agenda was to appear disinterested. The author still treats Washington as the American hero that he is but he's not afraid to reveal his flaws. "

" I did enjoy reading this book as George Washington is my favorite US President. But, I felt that Ferling spent a lot of time painting Washington in a less that heroic light and then would make a statement along the lines of "Washington had to do this; or Washington was loved by most people at the time." "

" Ferling is an amazing historian and I always love reading his take on early American history. You can tell he has a great love for Washington but is also very good at demonstrating the myth versus the real man. Good book and one that everyone should read of our Nation's first political leader. "

" Much biography of Washington is hagiography. Although the author demythologize Washington and explores the self promoting behavior he employed to advance, this more real figure is more admirable than not. He is more sanguine about the reality of GW's military prowess. "

" A very revealing look at political background of our first President. Interesting if a bit dry. "

" An interesting analysis of Washington's political career. Ferling has a generally negative view of Washington's character which colors his prose. Even though this is somewhat contrarian in nature it did offer some interesting insights into Washington's rise as America's indispensable man. "

" An interesting take on Washington. He's normally portrayed as "above politics" but, as this book ably demonstrates, his life was nothing but. "

" Interesting at times, it brings the man down from Mt. Rushmore and humanizes him. It was refreshing to read a biography that went into both the good and the bad of Washington. However, much of the information has been explored in detail in other sources. "

" Interesting at times, it brings the man down from Mt. Rushmore and humanizes him. It was refreshing to read a biography that went into both the good and the bad of Washington. However, much of the information has been explored in detail in other sources. "

" Ferling is an amazing historian and I always love reading his take on early American history. You can tell he has a great love for Washington but is also very good at demonstrating the myth versus the real man. Good book and one that everyone should read of our Nation's first political leader. "

" Fine. It's a little thin, but it fills a nice argumentative niche. "