Washington: A Legacy of Leadership (The Generals) - Paul Vickery

I came across Washington by Dr. Paul Vickery while scanning the list of available books on BookSneeze, of which I am a member. However, it was not only the book title, but the author that caught my interest. I knew him as one of my professors in college and one of my favorites. His love for history in general was so apparent, but more specifically it was the American revolutionary period that he seemed to have a lot of passion about. As a student, it was contagious. I knew I had to get this book.

I’ve started several books about Washington, but could never finish them because the authors seemed more interested in impressing the reader than educating them. From the first page, Washington was approachable. Some biographers have a novelistic style, others overly academic. Vickery’s style draws the reader into the world he is painting by using language and style that brings the character, event and time to vivid life while simultaneously teaching you the facts.

There were several points of fact that I had not learned before, or remembered from college; to which I humbly apologize, professor. One was that it was the actions of Washington that precipitated the start of the French and Indian War (Seven Years War). Another was how hard on himself he was about the conduct of the war and how he was personally overwhelmed at times. I was not aware of the near mutinous actions of some of his senior general staff during the course of the war. Lastly, I was happy to see a mention of Thomas Paine and the impact his series of writings, The Crisis, had on lagging American support for the revolution. I had written my senior thesis on Paine. The nod to one of my favourite revolutionaries of the period was met with much enthusiasm.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning about Washington’s life and actions during the war years of the American Revolution to read this book. I found it to be easy to read and very informative. Thank you, Dr. Vickery, for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”