The Life of Washington: A New Edition with Primary Documents and Introduction by Peter S. OnufWeems's Life of Washington was one of the first great bestsellers in American literature. Washington, you know is gone, wrote Mason Locke Weems to Philadelphia publisher Mathew Carey, and millions are gaping to read something about him. In responding to this market, Weems played an essential role in fabricating the image of Washington that has since dominated the American historical imagination and which, in its time, secured everlasting fame for the father of our country. This edition includes an introduction by Peter S. Onuf and documents from Washington's career that provide valuable insight into the construction of American national identity and that throw a provocative light on the mythmaking in which Weems engaged in writing one of the most enduring biographies in American folklore. |
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Page x
... chapter 1 , " you see nothing of Washington below the clouds , " nothing that common folk could identify with and aspire to . Weems promises to focus on Washington's " private virtues , " for " in these , every youth is interested ...
... chapter 1 , " you see nothing of Washington below the clouds , " nothing that common folk could identify with and aspire to . Weems promises to focus on Washington's " private virtues , " for " in these , every youth is interested ...
Page xi
... ( chapter 1 ) . From his preco- cious debut in public life , the young Washington had been conscious of his countrymen's gaze , " early aware of the importance of charac- ter " ( chapter 7 ) . As a provincial officer in the French and ...
... ( chapter 1 ) . From his preco- cious debut in public life , the young Washington had been conscious of his countrymen's gaze , " early aware of the importance of charac- ter " ( chapter 7 ) . As a provincial officer in the French and ...
Page xii
... ( chapter 9 ) , by scrupulously up- holding the supremacy of civil authorities at all times . His restraint was all the more remarkable while Congress and the state governments , overwhelmed by the burdens of a seemingly interminable and ...
... ( chapter 9 ) , by scrupulously up- holding the supremacy of civil authorities at all times . His restraint was all the more remarkable while Congress and the state governments , overwhelmed by the burdens of a seemingly interminable and ...
Page xiii
... ( chapter 10 ) . But Wash- ington would never betray his country , despite the promptings of his men and the provocations of civilian authorities . " We have had the glory to conquer our enemies , " he told his restive colleagues at New ...
... ( chapter 10 ) . But Wash- ington would never betray his country , despite the promptings of his men and the provocations of civilian authorities . " We have had the glory to conquer our enemies , " he told his restive colleagues at New ...
Page xiv
... chapter 1l ) , Washington was inspired as much by bitter feelings toward oppositionists who challenged his capacity for leadership , depicting him as a pawn of Alexander Hamilton and his High Federalist allies , as he was by his anxious ...
... chapter 1l ) , Washington was inspired as much by bitter feelings toward oppositionists who challenged his capacity for leadership , depicting him as a pawn of Alexander Hamilton and his High Federalist allies , as he was by his anxious ...
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Common terms and phrases
American André apotheosis of Washington arms army Arnold battle beloved blessings blood Braddock brave Britain British British army brother called chapter character Colonel command congress countrymen danger dear death duty earth enemy equal eyes father favour Federalist fight fire Fort Duquesne Fort Necessity French friends gentlemen George Washington give glorious glory golden reign governor governor Dinwiddie hand happy heard hearing heart Heaven heroes Hessians honour hope human Indians instantly king labours land liberty look Lord Lord North ment mighty mind mother Mount Vernon nation never New-York noble Northern Neck numbers officers parties passions patriotism peace poor Pope's creek praise religion republican roaring sent ships smile soldier soon soul spirit Sullivan's Island sword Tarleton tears thing thousand thunder tion troops union victory Virginia virtue virtuous voice Washing Weems Weems's whigs wish 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 |