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. This republication is unique in its detailed commentary on Mason Weems and other biographers of Washington. |
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Page xii
Mason Locke Weems Marcus Cunliffe. vigorous correspondence . Carey was an able and enterprising man . In addition to the items which he himself had had printed , Weems was soon offering works published by Carey , such as William ...
Mason Locke Weems Marcus Cunliffe. vigorous correspondence . Carey was an able and enterprising man . In addition to the items which he himself had had printed , Weems was soon offering works published by Carey , such as William ...
Page xiv
... Carey did not respond to the suggestion ; so in 1799 one guesses that Weems set out to meet the demand by composing a short , popular account of the prime Revolutionary hero , George Washington . On June 24 of that year he was far ...
... Carey did not respond to the suggestion ; so in 1799 one guesses that Weems set out to meet the demand by composing a short , popular account of the prime Revolutionary hero , George Washington . On June 24 of that year he was far ...
Page lvii
... Carey is of a rather greedy and even un- principled promoter . " Mr. Carey , " he cries out in one letter , I have ever glowd with a book vending enthusiasm . I believe in the Immortality of the Soul , and the future reign of Light ...
... Carey is of a rather greedy and even un- principled promoter . " Mr. Carey , " he cries out in one letter , I have ever glowd with a book vending enthusiasm . I believe in the Immortality of the Soul , and the future reign of Light ...
Contents
CONTENTS | xvi |
Introduction by Marcus Cunliffe ix | lxii |
Birth and Education | 6 |
Copyright | |
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Aaron Bancroft American André anecdotes arms army Arnold battle beloved biography blessings blood Braddock brave British brother called Carey character cherry-tree Colonel command congress countrymen dear death Douglas Southall Freeman duty edition enemy equal eyes father favour fight fire Fort Duquesne French friends gentlemen George Washington give glorious glory governor governor Dinwiddie hand happy heard hearing heart Heaven Henry Cabot Lodge heroes honour human Indian industry instantly Jared Sparks John John Harvard labours land letters liberty look Lord Lord North man-the Mathew Carey mind mother Mount Vernon nation never officers Parson Weems parties passions patriotism Payne peace Philadelphia poor religion roaring sent ships Skeel soon soul spirit story sword Tarleton tears thing thousand thunder tion troops true Virginia virtue virtuous Washing Washington Irving Weems Weems's Weemsian whigs wish York young youth