Ron Chernow's famous work offers a rich and multidimensional portrait of the father of America. With depth and breadth unmatched by any other monographic work, it guides us through Washington's tumultuous childhood, his early feats in the French and Indian Wars, the founding of Mount Vernon, his heroic successes with the Continental Army, his presidency at the Constitutional Convention, and his imposing presence as America's first president. Despite the reverence with which his name is honored, Washington remains for many readers a puppet, worthy but boring, a laconic man with remarkable self-control. Nevertheless, in this groundbreaking work, Chernow forever overturns the indifferent stereotype. He portrays Washington as a dynamic, famous rider, elegant dancer, and tireless hunter who guarded his emotional life with compelling fury. Not only did he gather around him the top figures of the era, such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, but he also orchestrated their actions to realize his vision for the new federal government, define the separation of powers, and establish the office of the presidency. Ron Chernow takes us on a fascinating journey through all the defining events of America's founding. It is a work of high literary value from one of America's leading writers and historians.