/LC.GIF&client=easterncarolinaedu)
Inventing George Washington : America's founder, in myth and memory / Edward G. Lengel.
| Author/creator | Lengel, Edward G. |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | 1st ed. |
| Publication Info | New York : Harper, ©2011. |
| Description | xviii, 249 pages ; 22 cm |
| Subjects |
| 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. |
| Abstract | 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. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-237) and index. |
| LCCN | 2010018257 |
| ISBN | 9780061662584 (alk. paper) |
| ISBN | 0061662585 (alk.paper) |