Washington: The Indispensable Man

This work by James Thomas Flexner is a condensed version of his four-volume history of George Washington. It's clear from reading this shorter work why the author at first felt the need for four volumes on the Father of our Country; Washington's life needs space to properly relate. But for those who lack the time to read such a comprehensive biography, this work is a fine substitute. (Indeed, it years ago formed the basis for a television mini-series.) Flexner perfectly capsulates the major events in the public life of Washington, and one finishes the biography with deepened respect for our nation's first president, whose every action set a precedent. And readers of recent biographies of Alexander Hamilton and John Adams will get another perspective on some of the great issues of the day. Familiar, for example, are the mechinations of Thomas Jefferson, who vexed Washington from within and outside the administration. Flexner "humanizes" Washington. We witness his failings, and see the wisdom of many of his decisions, including his reluctance to engage the British in traditional battle. It's easy to agree with his refusal to take sides in the war between Britain and France. And we see the evolution of his thinking on slavery, and how far ahead of Jefferson he was in that regard. This is an engaging read.

"Washington: The Indispensable Man" introduces the reader to the personality and career of the Father of Our Country. To many Americans, Washington is largely an unknown quantity, an immovable face on the one dollar bill, known as a Revolutionary War General and First President, but not as a human being. This book shows Washington, hero and failure, surveyor and farmer, soldier and statesman, body and soul.Son of a minor aristocrat, Washington, unaware that his social standing precluded his advancement beyond the colonial militia, sought positions in the British Navy and Army. A Virginia militiaman, he stumbled into the world's consciousness in 1753 in a minor skirmish with a French party in the area that is now Pittsburgh. In a rematch the next year, the question arose as to whether Washington had fought a French military force or murdered an ambassador. Washington was chastised in battle with the French in 1754, but not before he had created a stir in the chanceries of Europe. Accompanying Gen. Braddock into the wilderness in 1754-5, Washington's failure to convince Braddock that the French-Canadians did not fight like the Continental French had fatal consequences for Braddock. Succeeding to command, Washington extricated the army, thereby becoming the hero of a tragic engagement. This made Washington a military hero in colonial eyes.Having returned to Virginia, we see Washington, the colonial businessman, managing his plantation. The author gives us an insight into the business of a Virginia planter of Washington's day, a business which involved speculation in western lands as well as the production of tidewater crops. We see Washington, initially, a grower of tobacco and later of wheat and corn, the change made because tobacco tended to wear out the soil and kept the planter is a position of subservience to the British factor who sold his crop and, in return, sold the planter European manufactured goods, all at prices set by the factor.The coming of the Independence movement found Washington a delegate to the Continental Congress. Flexner reports the forces within Congress which lead to Washington's appointment as Army Commander.The section on the Revolution is informative while moving at a good pace. The personalities, battles and overall movements of the course of the conflict become clear. Here we meet Marquis de Layfayette, Lighthorse Harry Lee, and Alexander Hamilton and feel the betrayal of Benedict Arnold. The intervention of the French forces, without which the Revolution would have failed, is skillfully documented. The relationships between the French and the Americans in general and Washington in particular are explored.Two years after victory at Yorktown we are present at Washington's emotional farewell to his army during which he observed that he had grown "gray and nearly blind in the service of my country." Washington's long-awaited return to Mount Vernon would be merely temporary.Washington's time at Mount Ve

In his book, Washington the Indispensable Man, James T. Flexner attempts to show just how important Washington was in the development of this country. Washington was not a diplomat or a great intellect nor was he a master of military strategy. What he was, was a self-made man; a leader of men who commanded respect and loyalty. Without this quiet self-effacing, the Revolutionary War might not have been won. Washington's self control, dignity, common sense and his basic character made him a truly indispensable man for the times. The author subdivides George Washington's life into three major categories: military man, statesman and finally George Washington human being. He gave great insight into all areas. James T. Flexner has done a remarkable job with this book. He brings George Washington alive within its pages. The man is certainly more than the myth. The book flows and takes us from a young Washington of 1732 to the death of a true hero in 1799. There are not an abundance of maps or pictures in the book, but what there is, is sufficient. They enhance the book rather than detract from it. This book is very eash to read and extremely interesting. Mr. Flexner drives home the point that George Washington was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things during extraordinary times.

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.

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.