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 21
Page xvii
... present edition ) which young George admitted to cutting " with my little hatchet " -the word " little " disappeared in later editions . The other story ( see pp . 13-16 of the present edition ) was of the cabbage - seed which George's ...
... present edition ) which young George admitted to cutting " with my little hatchet " -the word " little " disappeared in later editions . The other story ( see pp . 13-16 of the present edition ) was of the cabbage - seed which George's ...
Page 131
... present excellent CONSTITUTION , which was no sooner adopted , than the eyes of the whole nation were fixed on him as the president . Being now in his 57th year , and wedded to his farm and family , he had no wish to come forward again ...
... present excellent CONSTITUTION , which was no sooner adopted , than the eyes of the whole nation were fixed on him as the president . Being now in his 57th year , and wedded to his farm and family , he had no wish to come forward again ...
Page 173
... present those vast and eternal goods and ills which best alarm our fears , enrapture our hopes , inflame the worthiest loves , rouse the truest ava- rice , and in short touch every spring and passion of our souls in favour of virtue and ...
... present those vast and eternal goods and ills which best alarm our fears , enrapture our hopes , inflame the worthiest loves , rouse the truest ava- rice , and in short touch every spring and passion of our souls in favour of virtue and ...
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