Bibliograph

Inventing George Washington, America's founder, in myth and memory, Edward G. Lengel

Type

Label

Inventing George Washington, America's founder, in myth and memory, Edward G. Lengel

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

resource.biographical

individual biography

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Inventing George Washington

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

612349106

Responsibility statement

Edward G. Lengel

Sub title

America's founder, in myth and memory

Summary

This entertaining and erudite history offers a fresh look at America's first Founding Father, the creation of his legend, and what it means for our nation and ourselves. Washington's death in 1799 dealt a blow to public morale. For three decades, Americans had depended on his leadership. Now, they desperately needed to believe that Washington would continue to be there for them--thus began his immortalization. Historian Lengel shows how the late president and war hero continued to serve his nation on two levels: the public Washington evolved into a symbol as Father of His Country, while the private man remained always just out of reach. As Lengel shows, the contrasting urges to deify Washington and to understand him as a man have produced tensions in every generation. As some exalted him, others sought to bring him down to earth, creating a series of competing mythologies that depicted Washington as every sort of human being imaginable.--From publisher description

Table Of Contents

Washington lives, dies, and is reborn -- Washington turns a profit -- Washington's loves -- Washington's visions -- Washington slept here -- Washington debunked -- The indispensable man -- The living myth

Target audience

adult

Classification