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 xx
... death , it had reached its twenty - ninth " edition " —or more accurately , printing ( a century afterward the number had risen to eighty ) . It had come out in German translations.20 Its anecdotes were being borrowed by other ...
... death , it had reached its twenty - ninth " edition " —or more accurately , printing ( a century afterward the number had risen to eighty ) . It had come out in German translations.20 Its anecdotes were being borrowed by other ...
Page 163
Mason Locke Weems Marcus Cunliffe. CHAPTER XII THE DEATH OF WASHINGTON And when disease obstructs the labouring breath , When the heart sickens and each pulse is death , Even then religion shall sustain the just , Grace their last ...
Mason Locke Weems Marcus Cunliffe. CHAPTER XII THE DEATH OF WASHINGTON And when disease obstructs the labouring breath , When the heart sickens and each pulse is death , Even then religion shall sustain the just , Grace their last ...
Page 173
... death deter man from horrid crimes ? Re- ligion adds infinite horrors to that fear - it warns them of a death both of soul and body in hell . In short , what motives under heaven can restrain men from vices and crimes , and urge them on ...
... death deter man from horrid crimes ? Re- ligion adds infinite horrors to that fear - it warns them of a death both of soul and body in hell . In short , what motives under heaven can restrain men from vices and crimes , and urge them on ...
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