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 11
... tell you again , that , whenever by accident you do any thing wrong , which must often be the case , as you are but a poor little boy yet , without experience or knowledge , never tell a falsehood to conceal it ; but come bravely up ...
... tell you again , that , whenever by accident you do any thing wrong , which must often be the case , as you are but a poor little boy yet , without experience or knowledge , never tell a falsehood to conceal it ; but come bravely up ...
Page 12
... tell a lie , Pa ; you know I can't tell a lie . I did cut it with my hatchet . ” — Run to my arms , you dearest boy , cried his father in transports , run to my arms ; glad am I , George , that you killed my tree ; for you have paid me ...
... tell a lie , Pa ; you know I can't tell a lie . I did cut it with my hatchet . ” — Run to my arms , you dearest boy , cried his father in transports , run to my arms ; glad am I , George , that you killed my tree ; for you have paid me ...
Page 65
... tell you , and remember it is the language of the whole continent they tell you , they ... ... will never submit to be taxed without their own consent They insist on a repeal of your laws . . . they do not ask it as a favour , they ...
... tell you , and remember it is the language of the whole continent they tell you , they ... ... will never submit to be taxed without their own consent They insist on a repeal of your laws . . . they do not ask it as a favour , they ...
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 |