When it comes to the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton are generally considered the great minds of early America. George Washington, instead, is toasted with accolades regarding his solid common sense and strength in battle. Indeed, John Adams once snobbishly dismissed him as "too illiterate, unlearned, unread for his station and reputation." Yet Adams, as well as the majority of the men who knew Washington in his life, were unaware of his singular devotion to self-improvement. Based on a comprehensive amount of research at the Library of Congress, the collections at Mount Vernon, and rare book archives scattered across the country, Kevin J. Hayes corrects this misconception and reconstructs in vivid detail the active intellectual life that has gone largely unnoticed in conventional narratives of Washington. Despite being a lifelong reader, Washington felt an acute sense of embarrassment about his relative lack of formal education and cultural sophistication, and in this sparkling literary biography, Hayes illustrates just how tirelessly Washington worked to improve. Beginning with the primers, forgotten periodicals, conduct books, and classic eighteenth-century novels such as Tom Jones that shaped Washington's early life, Hayes studies Washington's letters and journals, charting the many ways the books of his upbringing affected decisions before and during the Revolutionary War. The final section of the book covers the voluminous reading that occurred during Washington's presidency and his retirement at Mount Vernon. Throughout, Hayes examines Washington's writing as well as his reading, from The Journal of Major George Washington through his Farewell Address. The sheer breadth of titles under review here allow readers to glimpse Washington's views on foreign policy, economics, the law, art, slavery, marriage, and religion-and how those views shaped the young nation.. Ultimately, this sharply written biography offers a fresh perspective on America's Father, uncovering the ideas that shaped his intellectual journey and, subsequently, the development of America.

America’s first president has captivated our interest for more than two centuries, but no biographer of George Washington knew him with the authenticity, intimacy, and depth of understanding as John Marshall exhibited in his book The Life of George Washington.

George Washington Carver spent his life asking questions and looking for the answers. He gained a reputation as the farmers' best friend: He taught farmers about crop rotation—telling them to grow peanuts and sweet potatoes to "rest" their soil between cotton crops. And what could they do with all those peanuts? Carver developed more than three hundred peanut-based products—from milk to printers’ ink—and more than a hundred ways to use sweet potatoes. Barbara Kramer selects the correct anecdotes and quotes to bring "The Peanut Man" to life.

The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 by John Marshall: Dive into the early life and adventures of one of America's founding fathers, George Washington, through the meticulous and insightful biography penned by John Marshall. This volume offers a comprehensive look at Washington's formative years, shedding light on his upbringing, military exploits, and the events that shaped him into the iconic figure he would become. Key Aspects of the Book "The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1": Founding Father: Explore the early life and upbringing of George Washington, a key figure in the American Revolution and the first President of the United States. Military Adventures: Gain a deeper understanding of Washington's military career, including his role in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Historical Insights: John Marshall's biography offers valuable historical insights into the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation. John Marshall was a prominent American statesman and jurist, best known for his role as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Born in Virginia in 1755, Marshall's contributions to American jurisprudence were substantial, and his biography of George Washington remains a significant work in the study of American history. The Life of George Washington, Vol. 1 offers readers a compelling portrait of the nation's first president during his early years.