The First of Men: A Life of George Washington

Written by John Ferling, one of America's leading historians of the Revolutionary era, The First of Men offers an illuminating portrait of George Washington's life, with emphasis on his military and political career. Here is a riveting account that captures Washington in all his complexity, recounting not only Washington's familiar sterling qualities--courage, industry, ability to make difficult decisions, ceaseless striving for self-improvement, love of his family and loyalty to friends--but also his less wellknown character flaws. Indeed, as Ferling shows, Washington had to overcome many negative traits as he matured into a leader. The young Washington was accused of ingratitude and certain of his letters from this period read as if they were written by a pompous martinet and a whining, petulant brat.As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, he lost his temper more than once and indulged flatterers. Aaron Burr found him a boring, colorless person. As president, he often believed