It was announced this week that Ron Chernow’s most excellent biography of George Washington, aptly named “Washington: A Life” (book review) won the Pulitzer Prize. I think the prize is well deserved, Mr. Chernow has the ability to bring historical figures to life and his books read like novels. Here are a few interesting facts I learned from “Washington: A Life” and from our family trip to Washington’s estate in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. 1) In the French and Indian War, while fighting in the British Army, Washington got hit with four bullets in his coat and hat and had two horses shot from underneath him. Washington remained unscathed which started his bullet proof reputation. 2) George Washington always regretted not having a college education. 3) Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon may look like it’s build out of stone, but it’s actually wood with sand thrown on the white paint. 4) George Washington loved animals. Over his life he had over 30 dogs and when the Revolutionary War was over, he retired his horse Nelson and forbade anyone from using him for farm work. 5) Martha Washington spent half of the Revolutionary War with her husband and used her time to fixed…
Pox: An increasingly powerful government took on the position that the benefit of all people outweighs the problems of the few starting vaccination campaigns
This is the kind of history book I love. Mr. Chernow tells of little known anecdotes which not only tell of of the character, but even relevant to this day
James Monroe s a short biography written by Gary Hart (US Senator, D – CO) about the 5th President of the United States, last one to server in the Revolution
From what I understand, author Jane Singer used Asia Booth’s diary as her basis for this book which makes her take on the events following the assassination of President Lincoln unique.
James Madison was a great theorist, extraordinary writer, cunning politician and an effective legislator – but as president he was simply “good”.
Mr. Ellis tries to explain what cannot be explained – the paradox which is Jefferson. The contradictions between Jefferson’s written letters and his actions
John Adams, an interesting figure with a high standard of integrity, a standard which drove him all his life. His contemporaries were intriguing and fascinating
In His Excellency: George Washington Joseph J. Ellis tries to take a man which has become a myth in his own time and deconstruct him to see what makes him tick