Book Review: Washington’s General

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American history, Nathanael Greene, Terry Golway, Washington's General

Washington’s General: Nathanael Greene and

the Triumph of the American Revolution

He has been called, “the most underappreciated great man in the War for Independence.” George Washington’s hand-picked successor, Nathanael Greene was born into a prominent Rhode Island Quaker family. Plagued by insecurities due to his lack of education and military experience, he nonetheless provided an invaluable contribution to the cause of Liberty.

Shortly after enlisting in his state’s militia, some of his unit suggested that he resign. They felt that his marked “limp” detracted from their “manly, martial appearance.” Against their wishes he remained and within six months was commissioned as a general. By the end of the Revolution, he would be second only to Washington himself.

Greene’s meteoric rise to glory is highlighted by his passionate patriotism and intense sense of loyalty. As Washington’s reluctant yet efficient Quartermaster, he sustained the Continental Army through some of the leanest years of the war, battling Congress for much-needed funds. As commander of the Southern front, he would outfox Cornwallis in the swamps of the Low-Country and hills of the Carolinas.

This book turns a long-overdue spotlight on one of our forgotten heroes. Based on scholarly research from both primary and secondary sources, it retains a readability that historical laymen such as myself find appealing. For anyone interested in our nation’s history or in a genuine American hero, I recommend Washington’s General.

Book Review: The Summer of 1787

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American history, Constitution, Constitutional Convention, David Stewart, founding fathers, Summer of 1787

Most Americans know the first line of the Preamble to the Constitution.  “We the People of the United States . . .”   Fewer know it in its entirety, and even fewer have read or studied the Constitution.    In “The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution” David Stewart goes behind the closed doors of the Constitutional Convention to tell the story of the intricate and sometimes tedious process of crafting our founding document.

Each member of the Convention played a unique role that reflected their individual personality and background.  This is their story, and it is ultimately the story of our country.  E Pluribus Unum - ”Out of many, one.” From the well-known (Washington, Madison, and Franklin) to the unknown (Brearley, Spaight, and Baldwin), Stewart highlights each one, as he weaves their stories into the diverse, yet unified story of the Constitution.

The document that has stood for over two hundred years, was birthed in the heat of the Summer of 1787.  In this story you’ll meet Abraham Baldwin, a little-known delegate from Georgia who surprisingly sided with the smaller states at a key moment; Gouvernour Morris of Pennsylvania as he delivers the first abolitionist speech in American political life; George Washington and Ben Franklin as they influence the entire Convention while rarely standing to speak.  You’ll see the alliances as they form and then fall apart, the personality differences rise with the heat, and the sometimes ridiculous ideas that almost became a part of our nations government.

As might be expected, Stewart’s personal opinions occasionally peek through in the story (for example, his obvious dislike for the electoral system becomes evident before Appendix 2 which confirms it), but overall it is an objective account that will appeal to both the general and serious readers.  If you thought you knew American history, you need to read this book.  If you think you don’t know American history, you should certainly read this book.