The 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. The first republication of the book since 1927, it is unique in its detailed commentary on Weems and other biographers of Washington.
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Review
Marcus Cunliffe "has provided the first scholarly editing of Parson Weem's work. He introduces the high-spirited old scamp with more sympathy than he has received in many a year, gives a short account of Weems' own life drawn from the attenuated facts available, an evaluation of the reliability of the biography, and delivers a kindly judgment: 'Weems supplied distinct needs for the American imagination. (New York Herald Tribune )
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Legend of the Father Of His Country,
By
This review is from: The Life of Washington (American History Through Literature) (Hardcover)
This is the source of most of the legends involving the "Father of Our Country." "Parson" Weems tells us about the early years of Washington that not even historians know. How about this famous nugget? "George," said his father, "do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden?" "He bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet." This legendary book was a favorite of Abraham Lincoln, one of the books he used to teach himself to read and write. A must for any American History buff or scholar. Is it history or legend? You decide.
Also recommended: Devil and Daniel Webster; Paul Revere's Ride, and Kolak of the Werebeasts.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not enough about Washington,
By
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This review is from: The Life of Washington (Belknap Press) (Paperback)
This book is more about Mr. Weems and his odyssey trying to get the book published and people to pay for it.
The actual information about George Washington is reported in a sensible manner but lacks any personality. I just don't think there's that much recorded information available in real records that was accessed by Weems. I feel I need to know more about Washington after reading Weem's book.
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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bon repos, brave countrymen Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, George Washington, Mount Vernon, Fort Duquesne, God Almighty, Sir Peter, Fort Necessity, Northern Neck, Colonel Dunbar, Doctor Franklin, Lord Howe, Valley Forge, West Point New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
bon repos, brave countrymen Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, George Washington, Mount Vernon, Fort Duquesne, God Almighty, Sir Peter, Fort Necessity, Northern Neck, Colonel Dunbar, Doctor Franklin, Lord Howe, Valley Forge, West Point New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 35
books:
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100
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- George Washington, V2 by Cabot Henry Lodge on 7 pages
- Life of George Washington (Notable American Authors) by David Ramsay in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
- George Washington (2 Volumes) (BCL1 - U.S. History) by Rupert Hughes in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
- The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
- George Washington by William R. Thayer in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
See all 35 books this book cites
- Romances of the Republic: Women, the Family, and Violence in the Literature of the Early American Nation by Shirley Samuels on 6 pages
- The American Epic: Transforming a Genre, 1770-1860 (Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture) by John P. McWilliams Jr on 4 pages
- George Washington: Foundation of Presidential Leadership and Character by Ethan M. Fishman on page 30, page 47, and Back Matter
- From Pioneer Home to the White House the Life of Abraham Lincoln: Boyhood, Youth, Manhood, Assassination, Death by William M. Thayer on page 120, page 123, and page 128
- Abraham Lincoln by William Makepeace Thayer on page 70, page 73, and page 77
See all 100 books citing this book
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