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 22
Page 18
... tears , in mute but melt- ing language , bidding him a LAST , LAST FAREWELL ! ... Rush- ing with sobs and cries , he fell upon his father's neck . . . he kissed him a thousand and a thousand times , and bathed his clay - cold face with ...
... tears , in mute but melt- ing language , bidding him a LAST , LAST FAREWELL ! ... Rush- ing with sobs and cries , he fell upon his father's neck . . . he kissed him a thousand and a thousand times , and bathed his clay - cold face with ...
Page 103
... tears of his foes . His candour , on his examination , in some sort expiated his crime . It melted the angel soul of Washington : and the tears of the hero were mingled with the ink that signed the death- warrant of the hapless youth ...
... tears of his foes . His candour , on his examination , in some sort expiated his crime . It melted the angel soul of Washington : and the tears of the hero were mingled with the ink that signed the death- warrant of the hapless youth ...
Page 113
... tears -- they condoled with the British , and tendered them their purses ! —Glorious proof , that God never intended men to be , as some wickedly term it , natural enemies . On hearing in Congress the fall of Cornwallis , the door ...
... tears -- they condoled with the British , and tendered them their purses ! —Glorious proof , that God never intended men to be , as some wickedly term it , natural enemies . On hearing in Congress the fall of Cornwallis , the door ...
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