George Washington's World [Paperback]

Joanna Foster (Author), Genevieve Foster (Author)

Book Description

1942 Newbery Honor Title

The period measured by the life of George Washington 1732 to 1799 was one of revolution and change in many parts of the world as Enlightenment thinking took hold in the minds of men. When George was a young man, Benjamin Franklin was the most well-known American, Louis XV was on the throne of France, and George II was king of England. Father Junipero Serra had just arrived in Mexico to work with the Panes Indians. Mozart and Bach were writing their immortal music and Voltaire warred with his pen against Ignorance, Injustice and Superstition. The young nobleman Lafayette watched the feisty American colonies with fascinated interest as they stood up to Mother England when she sought to tax them unfairly. James Cook was sent by the Royal Society of London to Tahiti where their team of astronomers might observe a total eclipse of the sun and thereby accurately measure the distance between the earth and the sun. These are just a few of the wonderful narratives explored by Foster in her Newbery Honor Book of 1940. Prolifically illustrated with intriguing line drawings and detailed timelines, Foster's telling of the life story of George Washington does justice to the man it celebrates.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?George Washington's World was first published more than 50 years ago. This expanded edition by Genevieve Foster's daughter incorporates new material, especially in the areas of women's history, African-American history, and Native American history. The purpose of the book is to present a slice of life, or picture of what the world was like during Washington's lifetime. As such, its chapters cover major periods of his life, such as when he was a boy, a soldier, a farmer, a commander, a common citizen, and president. The writing style is engaging, and the narrative, which contains unattributed dialogue, reads more like fiction than a history text. The presentation is enhanced by a generous number of pen-and-ink drawings.?Marilyn Heath, Greenwood High School,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

"Nothing is more critical, I believe, than that children growing up in these critical explosive days should be given an understanding of American history as a part of the history of the world. Every year this grows more urgent, as increasingly rapid communication integrates world events more closely and the impact of foreign affairs on our own lives becomes more serious and immediate." Genevieve Foster wrote this nearly fifty years ago. It resonates with perhaps more truth today. As a result of this clarion call we have sold many of her enduring "World" titles because of the timeless nature of her books. Her writing style is clear, concise and fluid with her greatest strength as a storyteller being her ability to bring her readers right into the minds and times of her characters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 357 pages
• Publisher: Beautiful Feet Bks; Expanded edition (April 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096438034X
• ISBN-13: 978-0964380349
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to love history!, November 29, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (NW Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Washington's World (Paperback)

I must admit, when I was growing up, I hated American history above all else. In comparison with British history or world history, it seemed so boring...all facts and no fun. Well, this book will make you enjoy eating your cultural veggies. First of all, the authors took the trouble to include the trivial details about the "players" that make them human and interesting. Also, because of Ms. Foster's unique panoramic approach to history, you are better able to understand the environment that made our heroes and villians what they became. Although this book is considered a children's book, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone over the age of 10 or so. The text will certainly not bore you, I promise!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey Into the 1700's, February 5, 2009

By 

DarrenGJohnson "DarrenGJohnson" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: George Washington's World (Paperback)

This book is not a biography on George Washington, but rather history told in time slices using the life of George Washington. This author is a great story teller who is easy and fun to read. The tone and feel is that of a journey through the 18th century. The people that are covered include George Washington, Daniel Boone, John Adams, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Marie Antoinette, Louis XIV and XV, Napoleon, King George III and many more. There are also events such as the French Indian War, Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, and Napoleonic Wars. Important inventions such as the hot air balloon and others are also discussed. Also included are pictures and diagrams that make the book even more interesting. If you are looking for a book that opens up the world view of the 1700's then this is your book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent school resource, May 4, 2008

By 

J. V. Hearne - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: George Washington's World (Paperback)

I love how this book places you in the world of current events of George Washington's life. it really gives a wonderful perspective on the historical events of the time.