Washington Books

Unger reveals and documents France's design for "New France" in supporting the colonies and explains the whys of France's current anymosity towards the USA. It is a history book that captivates like a novel.

I heartily recommend this book and couldn't disagree more with the tendentious review from Publishers Weekly. Unger's documentation is available in his book with endnotes for anyone truly interested to investigate. The Publisher's Weekly review lacks any such counter attempt to actually provide references of Unger's supposed errors. The review takes certain of Unger's adjectives out of context in an attempt to suggest that Unger
is just name-calling. This is an unworthy ploy designed to seduce the casual reader.

Unger uses hard data in making his case against the French but the Publisher's Weekly review would have one believe he relies on adjectives alone. This is an inaccurate and incomplete description of what Unger actually does, but the charge of "argument by adjective" is exactly what is done by the reviewer in criticizing Unger. The Publisher's Weekly review relies primarily on adjectives or conclusory statements such as: "provocative but flawed," "not-startling," "exaggerates,"and "shrill," which serve as a feeble substitutes for any reliably significant commentary on the book.

Unger details, with more than adequate documentation, French efforts to topple George Washington, French efforts to invade Louisiana, French efforts to betray the American peace negotiators after the Revolutionary War, as well as other examples of French treachery. What the book details is a string of French actions designed specifically to harm the United States. Intentionally and deceptively taking steps to harm an "ally" is accepted by the Publisher's Weekly review as France simply basing "its diplomacy on its perceived self-interests." The Publisher's Weekly review is fraudulent and I am confident that in any debate, Unger would shred the reviewer. Of course, that debate won't happen as "bologna fears the grinder."

I have no problem with critical reviews, and when they are well-done, they enhance what I get out of a book. Neither the Publisher's Weekly reviewer's adjectives nor conclusory comments serve to advance the discussion of a very interesting topic for both the historian and political observer. I stand by my recommendation of the book and welcome hard evidence of any errors that the book might contain - adjectives will not suffice.

While the bulk of the book focuses on the period just before, during and after the Revolutionary War, Unger also gives some attention to more modern events. He discusses the phenomenon of current French leaders all being ENARCHS or graduates of the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA plus the Latin/Greek suffix "arch" meaning "chief,")

Here are some examples of insights he shares:

"... enarchs have badly undermined the French economy by discouraging free enterprise, limiting investments in creative genius and modern invention, stunting expansion of the arts and sciences, and discouraging individual initiative. Harvard University's endowment alone, for example, is more than double the combined annual budgets of all universities in France. " p. 251

"Impotent or not, France and the French continue to plot against
America. As de Villepin boasts, "France is obsessed with power . . . galvanized by conquest. It is a national disease passed down through the ages . . . we have never learned to live in partnership . . . France is still aflame with the passions of a great nation, fervently defending her rightful place in history." p. 252.

This book combines great historical research with fascinating insights into modern day events. A great read for those with an interest in these areas.

I have read this book by Unger as well as his book "Lafayette". Both are written with a great deal of detail and insight with out being dry or boring. Mr. Unger has a great ability to keep the story flowing. You will not loose interest in ether of the books.

This is a great book on, not only the demise of the small Texas cotton farmer, but, the death of a way of life lived by hundreds of thousands of people all across the South. The arrival of the Great Depression followed by the implementation of the socialist policies of the New Deal spelled the end of an agrarian lifestyle that had been a part of the backbone of the American way of life for over two centuries. I reccomend this book to anyone who loves American history. Particularly American agricultural history.

A message to those interested in farm life, especially in cotton, cotton pickers and cotton farms: You need this book - From Can See to Can't (subtitled Texas Cotton Farmers on the Southern Prairies).
Written by historians Thad Sitton and Dan K. Utley and published by the University of Texas Press in 1997, this book offers an insiders view of Texas farm life from the time of Austin's colony to present day. It draws on,in particular, Texas cotton farming in the late 1920s for a great deal of its material and portrays a way of life that has almost vanished.
From See To Can't is a rich tapestry of photographs, memoirs, and oral interviews from and about the people who were cotton farmers. I was raised on a cotton farm during that period and reading this book always brings tears to my eyes.
A really wonderful bit of Texana, and our rural heritage, not to be found every day. A Five Star Rating hardly describes it at all.

I really liked this book. For me it started slow, but by a few pages in I couldn't get enough. If you are interested in what farm life was like in Texas in the 1920's, this is for you. It goes into great detail about (obviously) planting and harvesting cotton, small town entertainment, churches, schools, food... the list is endless. Best of all, I talked to my grandparents, who grew up then verified it all. Want a good book about day to day farm life? Want to know what farmers used a hog's scrotum for? Buy it.

This book is excellent for revealing what is going on in the mind of a child who has learning issues. It's not just behavior (although it is always present, but never an excuse to associate as the cause for learning problems),there are valid medical tests that prove such. We are seeing more and more of these children with learning difficulities and we best be prepared with resource materials and an instructor who knows how to work with these children. Thanks Shari for sharing your life with us.

FROM STUMBLING BLOCKS TO STEPPING STONES by Shari Rusch Furnstahl was an
excellent well written book to give hope to young people and their parents who might be suffering from dyslexia, etc....and know that
you do not need to be discouraged...With determination you can succeed
and do well in life....This is a true story (and I personally know the
author)...

This author is authentic and the REAL DEAL, I was there. But what she did not know was that I was also ,and still am a medically 'special needs' individual whose life was made more brave by being a part of hers. This is a MUST READ handbook for any family with a child with 'less visible' or learning disabilities.

This book answers the question, "What is there to do in Seattle?" Here are the CONTENTS:
Maps and gorgeous pictures of the city and surrounding area
1. The Best of Seattle
2. Planning Your trip to Seattle (includes info for foreign visitors as well as the traveler by car, plane, boat, etc.)
3. Suggested Itineraries for "Best of Seattle" 1, 2, and 3 day visits
4. Getting to Know Seattle
5. Where to stay (all areas, all hotels, all options, prices, and ratings)
6. Where to dine (all areas, all ethnicities, from coffee and pastries to sit down 5-star suppers, the views, the prices, the ratings, etc.)
7. Exploring Seattle (the waterfront, the market, downtown, the neighborhoods, parks, gardens, attractions for kids, organized tours, sports, etc.)
8. City strolls (features three walking tours)
9. Seattle shopping
10. Seattle After Dark (performing arts, clubs and music scene, bar scene, movies, the gay and lesbian scene, etc.)
11. Side trips from Seattle (includes the San Juan Islands and whale watching, Port Townsend, Victoria B.C., Olympic National Park, Mt.Ranier, Ferry excursions, etc. etc. etc.)

When I am planning a vacation I like to spend a good amount of time in the months before doing research so that I am well prepared, not rushed, and feel like I am seeing and doing all the most exciting things, staying in and eating at all the extraordinary places. Staying away from things that might be offensive or unsafe. We watched the travel channel shows on Seattle, and I did massive amoutns of online research on travel advisor sites. The book...well, it's like they've been there done that and you'll benefit from their experience. And you can look up travel advisories for all their suggestions before you go, plus have a handly little travel guide to constantly consult on your trip.

Of course the locals know all the best places to go, and all the great little non-touristy out-of-the-way little places to eat that feature the abundance of all the local chefies... and if you have friends or family there they will probably already have an entertainment plan for you, but I ran many of the book's suggestions past our daughter, a recent transplant to the area, to get the "locals" perspective and most of the suggested top things to see and do were also on her list. The area is so huge that unless you have a plan for everyday to group area attractions together you can spend more time in the car driving here and there than actually seeing and doing. That's where this book really shines.

Great little informative travel book. Frommer's is the best for updated information about your travel destinations. I would recommend this book to anyone!

Because we have never been to Seattle, I wanted to gather as much information as I could on the "must see" attractions before our trip. This guide includes a walking tour of Pikes Place Market we intend to follow...probably would not have known about the gum wall within the market if I had not read this suggested tour. I thought it was very informative & I have referred back to it several times as I map out our itinerary. I believe our trip will be more enjoyable because of the information provided within the pages of this book. I plan to take the guide with us for unbiased reference on our adventure.

Boyle's excellent, readable, and well-annotated translation of Juvayni is an important resource for scholars of Mongol history. Juvayni is one of the few primary sources, and his work provides both a view of Mongol history and an interesting look at the cross-cultural interactions between the Mongols and conquered peoples. I highly recommend this book to all with an interest in Mongol history.

This book really grabbed my attention. The book is on a topic that I could read forever. Ghengis Khan is the only subject that doesn't make fall asleep in school.

A book with extremely useful quotes and sayings. I would suggest everyone to read it so as to improve the vision for leadership and you don't need to have specific preoccupation with any subject like history or Philosophy etc but you will love this book when you read how Juvaini tries to justify the deeds of the Mongols and the embellished and beautified diction of JA Boyle will enable you to comprehend the subject matter of the book in it's true sense.

This is a wonderful book! It accompanies an exhibit of hundreds of Catlin's paintings held in Washington DC in 2002, and scheduled to travel to several other cities. The reproductions are superb (the best I've ever seen) - the colors are true, and the sizes are often full-page and sometimes double-page. A brief commentary accompanies each painting, and there are also lengthy essays describing Catlin's life, his time in Europe, and his connection with the Smithsonian.
I bought Letters and Notes on the Manners, Customs, etc at the same time that I bought this book, and I read the two of them together. The paintings are immeasurably enhanced by Catlin's comments and stories (he is a great story-teller). He explains what's happening in the crowd scenes (and it is sometimes hair-raising!), and he gives interesting background on the people shown in the portraits. Looked at in this way, the paintings really come alive. Very highly recommended.

This book has a nice variety of the collection of George Catlin paintings, along with a few of the artifacts from his collection. Most of these are reproduced in color in this book. The text is also well written and tells the story of Catlin, his paintings, and the view point of the era.

This is a gorgeous book, filled with magnificent reproductions of Catlin's seminal portraits and augmented by a trenchant and insightful commentary.

This D'Aulaire book is both beautiful and engaging. The illustrations are Grandma Moses"ish" and the text is captivating enough to hold the attention of young, squirmy boys. All of the D'Aulaire titles that we have seen are great and can all be found new at The Book Peddler online if not here on Amazon. Highly recommended!

Although the Amazon page doesn't show the wonderful cover, it shows the young George on a white horse--Washington's white charger became his trademark. Beautifully illustrated, and a direct, unfanciful text. A perfect introduction to the growing up and future of our first President, with no nonsense. The d'Aulaires were stylists and were accurate, visiting the sites. They won many prizes. They deserved every one. A perfect introduction to the life of George Washington.

Put this in your home library! My kids want more and more of this. They love history but get bored without pictures. This author makes the past people and places come alive for them. They remember and understand the detailed and engaging historical tales.

All too often, George Washington comes across as a monument rather than a person. As the victorious general of the American Revolution and as our nation's first president, he is often depicted as the indispensable figure in the struggle to establish America as a nation, with his decisions and actions almost providential in nature. Yet Washington the man is lost amidst the adulation, leaving the reader with an incomplete picture of who he really was.

This collection of Washington's writings is an indispensable aid in the process of understanding the man behind the legend. The editor, John Rhodehamel, has selected 446 key documents from Washington's life, including letters, addresses, and general orders issued to his men. Written in the strictly formal style of the Virginia planter seeking to maintain the dignity of his position in society, his prose often cloaks the anxiety he felt about his status, the revolutionary cause, and the survival of the new republic. Together they convey a distinctly human figure, one whose stature only grows with a better understanding of the difficulties he surmounted. This is the book for anyone seeking to supplement other works on Washington with the original sources, or for those who simply want to read about Washington's life in his own words.

Like Robert E. Lee, George Washington might be considered the marble man of his time, a revolutionary whose passion doesn't burn as bright on the pages of history as, say, Thomas Paine, or as clear as Thomas Jefferson. He may be admired and revered, but not necessarily loved, certainly not in the way as old Marse Lee.

Whether Washington the man can be reclaimed from Washington the statue is a task left up to biographers and fiction writers, because after thumbing through this collection of his writings, it is with some certainty that the man from Mount Vernon can't do it himself.

Once gets the impression that Washington was a man who believed in duty, to himself as an eighteenth-century man of means, and to his country, whether it be England (for whom he participated on several expeditions against the French in Pennsylvania), or his newly created United States. The man who, in 1755, volunteered to join the British commander in chief, General Edward Braddock, on what became a disasterous expedition into western Pennsylvania, became by 1775 the man who would write to his wife announcing his appointment to head the rebel army, that, "I have used every endeavour in my power to avoid it [command]."

Even his ascention to the presidency was performed in very reluctant steps. In a letter to Henry Knox, he wrote, "I can assure you . . . that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution."

So why serve? "It was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment without exposing my Character to such censures as would have reflected dishonour upon myself, and given pain to my friends," he wrote Martha Washington.

Perhaps an early clue to his character can be found in the first entry, a collection of 100 maxims he composed when he was 15, rules for living which range from the practical ("Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table"), to the inspirational ("Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull"), and even a bit of the poetic ("Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience").

Sober, practical, firm-minded, George Washington was not a man to inspire devotion through force of personality, only through a far-sighted competence which does not make for glorious history, but to those who cherish the ideals and promise of America, one can be thankful that he was in the right place at the right time.

George Washington is far more revered than known; but, as this splendid book proves, when you come to know him you feel even more admiration for him. This installment in the indispensable LIBRARY OF AMERICA series gathers hundreds of Washington's letters, as well as his more formal public statements as Virginia legislator and revolutionary leader, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, advocate of federal constitutional reform, and First President of the United States. The formal public statements display the heavy style that Washington fell into when consciously speaking to posterity. It is in his letters that Washington's vigorous mind, strong emotions, and sound judgment emerge most cleary -- and that portray his humanity and his nobility most clearly and accessibly. Readers of this volume would be well-advised to read John Rhodehamel's superb chronology (appearing at the back of the book) first, and then turning to the text. If they do this, they will have! a sound chronological and historical basis for setting Washington's writings, public and private, in context and for seeing the critical founding decades of the American republic as he saw and experienced them.

-- Richard B. Bernstein, Adjunct Professor of Law, New York Law School; Daniel M. Lyons Visiting Professor in American History, Brooklyn College/CUNY; Book Review Editor for Constitutional Books, H-LAW; and Senior Research Fellow, Council on Citizenship Education, Russell Sage College

This is a great read for professionals at all levels. There is a lesson here for everyone.

Much has been written about Washington's leadership, but this book tells the story from a unique and practical point of view. Marrying his extensive knowledge of American history and corporate strategy, McNeilly focuses on Washington's strong character and illustrates how today's businesses and business leaders can (and do) significantly benefit from employing the same core principles as Washington did hundreds of years ago.

Even a great leader like Washington encountered many obstacles and failures along the way to achieving success and inspiring a nation. Washington can teach us a great deal about how to persevere in the wake of failure, develop a winning strategy, build a strong team, earn the support of your organization, and put aside personal agenda for the sake of the common goal.

McNeilly points out how Washington employed sound principles like integrity, trust, loyalty and restraint to achieve much success in many very difficult situations both on the battleground and in the early days of our political system. He then enlightens the reader by balancing this unique historical perspective with detailed, modern-day examples of business leaders who have experienced similar trials in the corporate realm. It is both clear and inspiring to see that, when challenges are met with the same core principles, one can overcome obstacles, gain trust and ultimately achieve victory. People at all levels in the business world and all stages of personal life can benefit from this.

Mark McNeilly has done an excellent job of presenting clear, explicit points in his book George Washington and the Art of Business. By providing a direct correlation between George Washington's life and character traits with the stages of business and leadership tactics, McNeilly has shown that the main characteristics needed to create a successful business are also those which are needed to be a successful and exceptional leader. Included as well are examples of how these leadership characteristics correlate to building a strong sports team/organization. McNeilly has directly linked the battles of war with the battles of business (teams), and also explains the ways different leaders and different businesses have handled these battles.

This book is very much two-fold. On one hand McNeilly has provided the most important leadership characteristics necessary to be a successful leader in life, in business, and in sports. But also McNeilly has shown that it is not necessarily just having and upholding these characteristics but acting in the integrity of them. Although the characteristics are many and are very difficult to maintain, McNeilly provides a depiction of the stages through which individuals, teams, and businesses evolve. The journey through these stages is not always smooth sailing and prosperous, but very difficult and painful at times. Some of the most valuable lessons are learned through these failures. And a failure in and of itself is only a failure, but a failure that is used as an educational experience is a lesson with the potential to be a future success.

In addition McNeilly has provided the history of George Washington's life which steps a reader through the American Revolution. The United States was built on the results of the American Revolution. Correspondingly, McNeilly has shown that leadership of this country, of business, of any team should be built and formed using the same types of characteristics George Washington, the Father of our Country upheld. He is a true leader, one everyone can learn from, and is the person who should be looked to as the epitome of a leader.

The book is very well organized with explicit points. The examples in George Washington's life, those in businesses, and in some cases those in sport teams/organizations are clearly linked. Each example further defines the main points McNeilly has intended to convey. The book was a quick read due to the organization and clarity of the writing.

I highly recommend the book to many different audiences including but not limited to those intending to improve leadership skills, leaders in business, and those who enjoy US history. Congratulations to Mark McNeilly on his success as an author.

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been devoted to one or more of the founding fathers, especially Washington, Jefferson, and Adams. What we have in this volume is Mark McNeilly's analysis of what lessons can be learned from George Washington's leadership as commander-in-chief of the Colonial forces during the War for Independence and then as the new nation's first president. He responds to the question "Why George Washington?" in the Introduction and then, in the first two chapters, he examines "the foundation of Washington's leadership principles" and how the American Revolution was organized in the first two chapters. During the balance of the book, McNeilly identifies and discusses the aforementioned leadership principles and devotes a separate chapter to each.

McNeilly brilliantly juxtaposes his presentation of historical material with the business lessons he believes can be learned from it. I also appreciate the fact that he cites specific companies when doing so. For example, in Chapter 2, he reviews various competitive disadvantages Washington encountered at the outset of the war. "Could I have foreseen what I have experienced and am likely to experience, no consideration upon earth should have induced me to accept this command." Yet, despite all the unexpected problems such as the continuous expiration of enlistments that depleted his forces, the 43 year-old general did not quit. "Washington made his share of mistakes: choosing to defend New York when it was in reality indefensible, not protecting his flank on Long Island Heights, and losing Fort Washington and its garrison. Yet after setback he returned to fight again." McNeilly then focuses his attention on a relevant example in the modern business world, the situation faced by Jong Yong Yun when he became CEO of Samsung Electronics. Like Washington, he used the severe crisis that then existed to make major changes. The integrity and courage of a leader are essential to the success of any such initiatives. In Washington's case, he put his organizational skills to work. "At the same time he was fighting the British and their Hessian allies, Washington was implementing measures to improve the fighting ability and logistical system to ensure the army's survival."

To me, some of the most interesting and most valuable material is provided in Chapter 8 as McNeilly examines the situation after the victory at Yorktown in 1781. Washington was frustrated to see his officers and men so poorly treated by Congress after they had made so many sacrifices under especially difficult conditions. At one point, a core group of officers decided that taking direct action was necessary and began to plan what amounted to a military coup. Their efforts to enlist support became known as the "Newburgh Conspiracy" because their base camp was in Newburgh, New York, where they met on March 15, 1783. Washington thoroughly disapproved of the officers' efforts and met with them, calling their behavior "unmilitary" and "subversive of all order and discipline." Those gathered were not convinced. "Seeing this, Washington pulled from his pocket a letter from Congressman Joseph Jones. After a fumbling attempt to read it, Washington took out a pair of reading glasses, stating, 'Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.' This act and its accompanying words from the heart did what his prepared speech had not done. Washington's emotional appeal reminded his officers of his own sacrifices and won them back to his side and that of the republic." As McNeilly makes crystal clear, Washington's words and gesture could not possibly have been effective had he not possessed -- and was perceived to possess -- impeccable integrity.

As McNeilly suggests, the same can be said of business executives such as James Burke, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, who immediately demonstrated the right motives and ethical action in 1982 after seven people in the Chicago area died of cyanide poisoning that had been traced to Extra Strength Tylenol capsules. Led by Burke, Johnson & Johnson worked closely with the media to get out as many facts as possible, instituted a nationwide recall of 31 million bottles of Tylenol (then worth an estimated $100-million), and cooperated fully with all law enforcement agencies to solve the mystery. All of this was wholly consistent with the Johnson & Johnson Credo that affirms the company's first responsibility is to "doctors, nurses and patients, to mothers and fathers, and all others who use our products and services."

None of Washington's principles of leadership was unique to him. As McNeilly explains, however, few others throughout history possessed all of them and to the extent that George Washington did. At an early age, he developed self-discipline, strong character, courage, intellectual curiosity, and a preference for innovative ideas. When war came, Washington formulated a vision of what the new nation could become, once victorious. He also developed a strategy that accommodated the colonies' vulnerabilities while maximizing their strengths. Throughout the war, he seized appropriate opportunities while resisting others that involved what he perceived to be excessive risk. He was a quick thinker under pressure and built an effective team of subordinate officers within whom he communicated constantly. He supported an intelligence network to obtain the information he needed to make key decisions. Meanwhile, he cultivated relations with key members of Congress. Later, he played a central role during the Constitutional Convention and then agreed to serve as the new nation's first president. "In that role his wisdom led him to set high standards that future presidents would look to for guidance and by which their terms would be measured." He retired after two terms "to allow new people to implement new ideas and have their turn at leading the country."

Congratulations to Mark McNeilly for providing an abundance of information about George Washington as well as a rigorous and eloquent analysis of his singular greatness. The lessons to be learned from who he was and what he accomplished can guide and inform our own efforts to become, in McNeilly's words, "a better version of ourselves."

Located exact item I needed and it was promptly delivered. I am a first time user and was very satisfied with the process. I will definitely use you again.

This is truely is a must have book for anyone remotely interested in Santa Barbara architecture. Beautiful images and sketches of the historic work of George Washington Smith make up this coffee table treasure. Highly reccommended.

This is a fascinating book on a singular talent. It was so interesting to see images and articles, gathered from the era in which Mr. Smith practiced. The photos are wonderful and the text is highly informative. George Washington Smith was the foremost master of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and this book honors him. I highly recommend it to anyone with any interest whatsoever in this style of architecure, you wont be disappointed, it is a long awaited tribute to one of the finest American residental architects of the 20th century.