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Washington: The Indispensable Man [Paperback]

James Thomas Flexner
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)

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Book Description

February 22, 1994 A back bay book
After more than two decades, this dramatic and concise single volume distillation of Flexner's definitive four volume biography George Washington, which received a Pulitzer Prize citation has itself become an American classic.

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Washington: The Indispensable Man + The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon + His Excellency: George Washington
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Back Bay Books (February 22, 1994)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316286168
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316286169
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

It is well written and very informative. Colorado Metallurgist  |  22 reviewers made a similar statement
I felt I owed a great debt to Washington when reading this book. N. Whiting  |  14 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
202 of 203 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best One Volume Biography of America's Greatest Man January 19, 2000
Format:Paperback
I only write reviews of the books I feel very strongly about. James Thomas Flexner is, along with Douglas Freeman, considered to be the preiminant Washington scholar. He also happens to be a world class writer. For those of you who do not have the time, or interest, in reading Flexner's monumental 4 volume biography of Washingon, you could not find a better single volume on the life of the most important man in American history. Most great men turn out to be less great the closer you examine their accomplishments. Washington is one of the few whose legend doesn't go far enough. Read Flexner's book and see why George Washington was an icon in his own lifetime... Adored by the great men of his age, beloved by the people, and a moral example who is as relevant to the American experience today as he was two hundred plus years ago. This is a great work of history and a great read. If I had the power, I would make this book required reading for every American citizen.
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102 of 103 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the Best Single Volume Life of Washington February 13, 2000
Format:Paperback
Flexner is considered, along with Douglas Freeman, to be the great Washington scholar. His four volume biography is a masterpiece of scholarship and historical writing. However, most readers will not have the time to plow through such a large work. Fortunately, Flexner wrote this fantastic book. He has managed to condense the essence of Washington's remarkable life into this single volume. It is every bit as informed and well written as the larger work, and for the curious, by far the best single volume biography of G.W. Every American should read this book. It's impossible to study GW as presented by Flexner and not be impressed. There is a reason why men such as Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, Madison, et al deferred to Washington. In these pages you will learn why.
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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life-really June 9, 1999
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Several years ago, I spent Thanksgiving with the parents of a friend of mine and started reading this book based on their reccomendation. Well, this book so inspired me, I've continued with biographies of most of our Founding Fathers(including Flexner's "Young Hamilton") as well as the other Presidents and into the Civil War. James Thomas Flexner brings to life a man whom I only knew as the first President, the guy on the dollar bill, and yes, the one who chopped down the cherry tree. My perspective on American history and the man responsible for such a great piece of our history was completely changed by this book. It reads like a novel, though I admit was a bit rough getting started. Once in, however, I was hooked. This biography takes you through Washington's early years as a child, his courtship struggles and life as a surveyor: then, we travel with our hero through the Revolutionary War, the precarious aftermath and his tenure as the first President of the newly founded nation. Flexner shows us that much of this was, for Washington, a struggle indeed, and he seems very much the reluctant hero, whose journey is destined for greatness in spite of himself and the enormous odds against him. It is an epic journey masterfully navigated by Flexner. This biography is worthy of it's subject. If you are an American, read it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding biography of George Washington
I believe the book to be well-researched; it bring Washington to life more than other biographies about him. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jo Ellen Gilliam
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
I believe this to be the best book written on our 1st President. A must read for anyone wanting to know more about the life of George Washington.
Published 3 months ago by Keith E. Bratcher
3.0 out of 5 stars Maybe its just me
I have read a lot of biographies, including Adams, Monroe, Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson, and for some reason that I can't put my finger on, this one just didn't seem to connect for... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Barry Frank
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating factually; stylistically stuffy
Washington's life was interesting almost beyond believability, and Flexner stuffs the pages of his book with mountains of well researched detail. Read more
Published 7 months ago by M. Richmond
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book
A great biography of Washington. Interesting read that hits all the major parts of his life, but also the lesser known facts without being boring. Wonderful writing.
Published 8 months ago by Luke E.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent biography for our nation's first President
I am currently reading biographies for the Presidents of the United States in order. I chose this book by Flexner as he is one of the more recognized biographers for George... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Dr. K. B. Olsen
5.0 out of 5 stars Needs to be required reading for every American high school freshman
When I bought this book I thought it would take me forever to get through it (it is large) but I could not put it down and finished it in three days. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Abner
4.0 out of 5 stars Washington:The indispensable book
I've read quite a few books on Washington, and figured there was nothing new to learn. However, there were facts in this older book that were completely new to me. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Frank
4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Book About A Great American
Flexner's book is a very good portrait of a wonderful American. Flexner wrote this book as a condensation of his earlier, and much lengthier, four volume biography of Washington. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Hartzdog
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
This is the best one volume history of George Washington that I have found that covers his entire life, from start to finish. Fascinating and entertaining. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Dave
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