The Life of WashingtonThe 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. The first republication of the book since 1927, it is unique in its detailed commentary on Weems and other biographers of Washington. |
From inside the book
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Page 116
... peace returns . And O ! that with peace may return that spirit which once warmed the hearts of Americans towards their British brethren , when the sight of our tall ships was wont to spread joy along their shores ; and when the planter ...
... peace returns . And O ! that with peace may return that spirit which once warmed the hearts of Americans towards their British brethren , when the sight of our tall ships was wont to spread joy along their shores ; and when the planter ...
Page 156
... peace or war , as our interest , guided by justice , shall counsel . " Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? Why quit our own , to stand upon foreign ground ? Why , by inter- weaving our destiny with that of any part of ...
... peace or war , as our interest , guided by justice , shall counsel . " Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? Why quit our own , to stand upon foreign ground ? Why , by inter- weaving our destiny with that of any part of ...
Page 163
... peace , riches , and honours could have rendered that immor- tality happy , Washington had been blessed indeed . But this world is not the place of true happiness . Though numberless are the satisfactions , which a prudence and virtue ...
... peace , riches , and honours could have rendered that immor- tality happy , Washington had been blessed indeed . But this world is not the place of true happiness . Though numberless are the satisfactions , which a prudence and virtue ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
American anecdotes appeared arms army believe biography blessings blood brave British brother called Carey character Colonel command congress continued countrymen danger dear death duty early edition enemy equal eyes father feel fight fire followed French friends gave George Washington give hand happy head heard hearing heart Heaven heroes honour hope human Indian industry instantly interest John land leave letters liberty lived look Lord mean mind mother nature never officers once parties passions patriotism peace political poor present religion seems seen sent ships Skeel soon soul spirit story tears tell thing thought thousand tion took troops true turned United Virginia virtue Weems Weems's whole wish York young youth
References to this book
Myths in Stone: Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C., Part 3 Jeffrey F. Meyer Limited preview - 2001 |
Presidential Places: A Guide to the Historic Sites of U.S. Presidents Gary W. Ferris No preview available - 1999 |