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. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 38
Page xxxviii
... early chapters , at any rate , seek to avoid the marmoreal , " Federalist " tone of John Marshall . Weems did try — unlike Marshall to show that Washington was once a child . Though his moralizing tendency ran away with him , Weems did ...
... early chapters , at any rate , seek to avoid the marmoreal , " Federalist " tone of John Marshall . Weems did try — unlike Marshall to show that Washington was once a child . Though his moralizing tendency ran away with him , Weems did ...
Page lx
... early career . His father was born in Scotland ; Weems himself was in Britain for part of the War of Independence and did not enlist on the American side ; his Anglican connections may have been slightly ambiguous ; Dumfries , before ...
... early career . His father was born in Scotland ; Weems himself was in Britain for part of the War of Independence and did not enlist on the American side ; his Anglican connections may have been slightly ambiguous ; Dumfries , before ...
Page 8
... early sent to a schoolmaster , yet he was not on that account neglected by his father . Deeply sensible of the loveliness and worth of which human nature is capable , through the virtues and graces early implanted in the heart , he ...
... early sent to a schoolmaster , yet he was not on that account neglected by his father . Deeply sensible of the loveliness and worth of which human nature is capable , through the virtues and graces early implanted in the heart , he ...
Contents
CONTENTS | xvi |
Introduction by Marcus Cunliffe ix | lxii |
Birth and Education | 6 |
Copyright | |
14 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
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