The Life of Washington

Front Cover
Harvard University Press, 1962 - Biography & Autobiography - 226 pages
The effect of this "single, immortal, and dubious anecdote," and others like it, has made this book one of the most influential in the history of American folklore. Originally published as an eighty-page pamphlet entitled The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington, it quickly attained immense popularity. In 1806 a so-called fifth edition was published which contained for the first time the tale of George Washington and the cherry tree; the book has survived to this day, although largely on the basis of that episode. This volume follows the text of the ninth (1809) printing, which included all the famous anecdotes. This republication is unique in its detailed commentary on Mason Weems and other biographers of Washington.
 

Contents

Introduction by Marcus Cunliffe
ix
Note on the Text
lxii
Birth and Education
6
Georges Father DiesHis Education Continued by
17
George Leaves SchoolIs Appointed a Private Surveyor
24
The French and Indian War BeginsWashington Goes
33
Fateful Effects of Braddocks DefeatWashington Wishes
45
Washingtons Mother Has a Very Curious DreamIt Points
55
AmericaClinton Evacuates PhiladelphiaWashington
98
Washington Again on His FarmSketch of His Conduct
128
The Death of Washington
163
Character of Washington
172
Washingtons Character ContinuedHis Benevolence
187
Washingtons Character ContinuedHis Industry
203
Washingtons Character ContinuedHis PatriotismCon
215
Copyright

Battle of BunkershillOf Sullivans IslandDeclaration
73

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