DOC The Return of George Washington: Uniting the States; 1783-1789 by Edward Larson in History

Review

112 of 116 people found the following review helpful. Duty came before Mount VernonBy Robert FisherI saw this book the other day and found its premise interesting; it is the story of George Washington in the years between the end of the American Revolution and his assumption of the presidency. Edward J. Larson writes an engaging book about a man torn between his desire to retire to his extensive farming operations at Mount Vernon and his sense of duty to his country when it becomes clear that the post-revolutionary government just isn't up to the job. Larson presents a warts-and-all view; Washington is shown to be a man who demands hard work from his slaves and can be testy towards people he finds squatting on his land holdings in Pennsylvania. However; we also see a shrewd businessman; an actor with a superb sense of timing and most importantly; a visionary who wants to turn an unruly confederation of states into a united country. There are good chapters on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and Washington's behind the scenes work to see it ratified as well as the story of how America's first presidential election unfolded. The Return of George Washington reads very well and gives the reader a good overview of the early years of the United States.79 of 81 people found the following review helpful. Fresh Insights; Terrific Writing and Essential American HistoryBy Peter HillmanJust when one thought what more could be written about Washington: Larson; a gifted; elegant writer and one of the best historians we've got; condenses to 300 pages seven tumultuous; perilous years in which Washington; and the times; defined our nation's course as the first and greatest modern republic.As if winning the war wasn't enough--GW was critical to maintaining the peace; convening the Constitutional Convention; influencing that document's unique and lasting substance; campaigning for ratification by the states and setting the executive model.With access to extraordinary primary documents--nicely complemented by end-notes; and good illustrations--Larson reveals a powerful; intelligent man; universally loved; torn by duty. Washington wants to see his war's success carried to beneficial conclusion in the birth of a solid republic. He has; however; a substantial enterprise to run; other business ideas (perhaps a trade route west via the Potomac; collecting debts; evicting squatters; opening up commerce) and his heart squarely with his beloved Mt. Vernon and the pleasures of "retirement."Arrayed against him are former allies like Patrick Henry; Clinton of New York; Gerry--patriots all; now opposed to the core principle espoused by Washington; Jay; Madison and others that a strong federal government with checks and balances is a necessary companion to states' rights.The one thing this reader wishes had been treated: what and how did Martha Washington think--or GW think about her?Regardless; at all times; the reader; thanks to Larson's splendid writing; feels as though at Washington's side; listening in; riding with him to the frontier; getting daily de-briefings at the convention; mulling things over fireside or while enjoying one of the "Christmas pyes." With due respect to Ellis; Chernow; Flexner et al.; this is one of the most compelling and rewarding insights into what made this indispensable person tick.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Washington the man and leaderBy John WindfallThis book takes place during the eight years between the Revolutionary War and the adoption of the Constitution. It follows Washington as he gives up his commission as commander-in-chief of the continental forces to become a farmer and investor in a Potomac Canal and operating five farms that make up the Mount Vernon plantation. We see his relationships with the men whom he commanded in the War and are now influential civilians. The reader sees how all come to realize that the government under the Articles of Confederation has made for a weak country. It is very interesting how Washington and the leaders and shakers of the nation realize that a different form of government is needed if the country isn't swallowed up by England. How they manipulate the states is fantastic. Yet they maintain their honor and work together to reach the common end. Just following the idea of a Bill of Rights and how it is finally adopted after the Constitution is ratified could be a book in of itself. The book is well footnoted and well written. It is another book about Washington that gives one pride in this country. Everyone in the government would be able to learn something about compromise and leadership from the men who put our present system together.