The Great Experiment
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George Washington and the American Republic
John Rhodehamel; Foreword by Gordon S. Wood
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Format: HardcoverPrice: $50.00
John Rhodehamel examines the mingled destinies of Washington and the new American republic, illuminating both the man and his times. He traces Washington’s life before the Revolution and during the war years, the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and the Washington presidency, arguing that the key to Washington’s extraordinary stature in the eyes of his contemporaries was his scrupulous obedience to civilian authority and, most of all, his resignation at the end of the Revolution. The text is enhanced by numerous illustrations that reproduce an array of original documents, contemporary portraits, artifacts, and personal memorabilia of Washington and his family.
Copublished with the Huntington Library
A selection of the History Book Club
"[Rhodehamel] comes close to the heart of Washington’s genius in this compact but important biographical sketch. With wonderful insight, Rhodehamel focuses on Washington’s great moral strength, which included self-discipline and restraint."—Booklist
"Beautiful 200-page hardcover, with more than 100 color illustrations and rarely seen Washington memorabilia from the Gilder Lehrman Collection and the Pierpont Morgan Museum."—Don Denevi, Palo Alto Daily News
"[This] work will likely bring Washington to life for many people who have previously thought of him only in mythic terms. It is an insightful, brief biography by a well-qualified scholar, and its scores of fine illustrations are sure to hold any reader’s interest. . . . Highly recommended for public libraries and students from secondary school through undergraduate level."—Choice
“The Great Experiment concisely aims at reinvigorating Washington’s image for late 20th century readers. . . . [The] book helps to bring us closer to Washington the man.”—William W. Starr, The State
"[Rhodehamel] presents a concise narrative of Washington’s public life, concentrating on the symbolic founder’s outward energies and rise to fame. But it is the assembly of dramatic images—especially the many reprinted letters—that carries a text which highlights politics and personality. . . . A monumental story."—Andrew Burstein, Journal of the Early Republic
“[A] superbly produced book. . . . [Rhodehamel’s] sketch of Washington’s life and career is admiring without being worshipful. It is concise, vivid, and judicious.”—Paul K. Longmore, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
“Elegant and insightful. . . . Rhodehamel’s book chronicles Washington’s life, bringing in maps, portraits, and objects. In brief but extraordinary text, Rhodehamel . . . provides a definitive account of Washington’s life, masterfully exploring Washington’s many competing interests: western development, agricultural improvement, military glory, republican liberty. The maps, portraits, surveying tools, and military accruements bring us closer to Washington, who is brought to life without diminishing his larger-than-life character.”—Robert J. Allison, Reviews in American History
Publication Date: September 10, 1998
Publishing Partner: Copublished with the Huntington Library
96 color illus.
