George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader [Paperback]

Robert F. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is a revised edition of the author's George Washington, published in 1979. Totally updated to include the author's extensive research conducted in the intervening two decades, the book is a concise but complete biography of Washington as gentleman planter, colonial rebel, American general, and U.S. president. The book provides a full and even-handed portrait of the first president, with special emphasis on how he took his rather commonplace talents and transformed them with self-discipline into extraordinary leadership in a time of turmoil. The book pays special attention to Washington's struggles during the Revolution and his tenure as president and deals with his gradual conversion from advocate of nonpartisan politics to a strict Federalist. This book synthesizes the current research in a readable style that affords the general reader an understanding of Washington's special character and his vital role in the making of the United States.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert F. Jones is Professor of History at Fordham University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press; 2 edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823221873
• ISBN-13: 978-0823221875
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,818,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling look at both the legend and the man, August 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader (Paperback)

Fleshed out with an additional twenty years of meticulous, exhaustive research and newly revised by Robert E. Jones (Professor of History, Fordham University), George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is an informative biography of America's first President. Focusing especially on Washington's trials during the Revolution and his service as President, George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is a compelling look at both the legend and the man, his foibles as well as his virtues, and his legacy and contribution to both American and world history. George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is very highly recommended for academic and community library American History and Biographical Studies collections.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing bio of America's first great leader, August 9, 2003

By 

John Madison "madjohnw" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader (Hardcover)

I found this bio to be quite disappointing. It is relatively brief, and many important events in Washington's life and career are only given a few sentences or paragraphs. Most of the author's observations regarding Washington's character are not presented until the end, and then they are disjointed and seem to be mere afterthoughts. The author also tends to group many subjects into a single paragraph, perhaps to hide the lack of detail. Compared to other historical bios (like McCullough's John Adams or Blumenson's Patton) this book is poorly written, difficult to read, and lacking in detail and information. I do not recommend this book at all.