FINALIST FOR THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BOOK PRIZE
The true story of a Founding Father: a new, brash, and unexpected view of the president we thought we knew, from the bestselling author of Astoria.
"Lively, well-researched ... . A discerning history of pre-Revolutionary America and the man who shaped its future." - Kirkus Reviews
Two decades before he led America to independence, George Washington was a flailing young soldier serving the British Empire in the vast wilderness of the Ohio Valley. Naïve and self-absorbed, the twenty-two-year-old officer accidentally ignited the French and Indian War--a conflict that opened colonists to the possibility of an American Revolution.
With powerful narrative drive and vivid writing, Young Washington recounts the wilderness trials, controversial battles, and emotional entanglements that transformed Washington from a temperamental striver into a mature leader. Enduring terrifying summer storms and subzero winters imparted resilience and self-reliance, helping prepare him for what he would one day face at Valley Forge. Leading the Virginia troops into battle taught him to set aside his own relentless ambitions and stand in solidarity with those who looked to him for leadership. Negotiating military strategy with British and colonial allies honed his diplomatic skills. And thwarted in his obsessive, youthful love for one woman, he grew to cultivate deeper, enduring relationships.
By weaving together Washington's harrowing wilderness adventures and a broader historical context, Young Washington offers new insights into the dramatic years that shaped the man who shaped a nation.
About the Author :
Peter Stark is an adventurer and historian. He is the author of Astoria: Astor and Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire, a New York Times bestseller and a PEN USA Literary Award finalist. A former correspondent for Outside magazine, Stark has also been published in Smithsonian, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Men's Journal. His other books include Young Washington: How Wilderness and War Forged America's Founding Father, a finalist for the George Washington Book Prize; and Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation. Based in Montana, he and his family have also lived in Mozambique and Brazil.
Malcolm Hillgartner is an accomplished actor, writer, and musician. Named an AudioFile Best Voice of 2013 and the recipient of several Earphones Awards, he has narrated over 250 audiobooks.
Review :
"A fast-paced, riveting account of exploration and settlement, suffering and survival, treachery and death...The story of America's first colony on the continent's West coast."
-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on Astoria"
"A valuable book...but more importantly for my perspective, it's really good reading."
-- "Nancy Pearl, Morning Edition book commentator, on Astoria"
"Brings to vivid life a series of critical turning points in the career of a youthful George Washington in search of himself and his role in history. A portrait of greatness in the making."
-- "Laurence Bergreen, author of Columbus"
"In the style of an adventure story, with vivid descriptions and detailed explanations, this book is fully supported by letters, journal entries, and military documents. For Washington enthusiasts and general readers interested in French and Indian War campaigns."
-- "Library Journal"
"Lively, well-researched...A discerning history of pre-Revolutionary America and the man who shaped its future."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Peter Stark has a remarkable ability to combine brilliant storytelling with thoughtful analysis. Young Washington is a wonderful book--as engrossing as it is informative."
-- "J. William T. Youngs, professor of history at Eastern Washington University"
"Stark puts his background as an adventure writer to good use, bringing thrilling immediacy and literary flair to George Washington's youthful exploits."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"This is a gripping, cinematic adventure tale that made me envious of not just young George Washington's exploits, but Peter Stark's ability to make them so real and immediate."
-- "Carl Hoffman, New York Times bestselling author"
"Truly distinctive...Above the level of a well-done historical adventure...A great human story."
-- "Chicago Tribune on Astoria"
