The Unexpected George Washington

"This is a biography that unquestionably lives up to its title. Readers will discover numerous, often touching traits that they never knew about the Father of the Country. Harlow Unger has written a one-of-a-kind book that will please and fascinate everyone."
—Thomas Fleming, author Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge

"It's hard to imagine George Washington as playful, tender, or funny. But Harlow Unger searches to find these seldom-seen aspects of the private man, and the result is a far more complete and believable founding father."
— James C. Rees, Executive Director, Historic Mount Vernon

Acclaim for Lafayette

"Harlow Unger has cornered the market on muses to emerge as America's most readable historian. His new biography of the Marquis de Lafayette combines a thoroughgoing account of the age of revolution, a probing psychological study of a complex man, and a literary style that goes down like cream."
—Florence King, contributing editor, National Review

"To American readers Unger's biography will provide a stark reminder of just how near run a thing was our War of Independence and the degree to which our forefathers' victory hinged on the help of our French allies, marshalled for George Washington by his 'adopted' son, Lafayette."
—Larry Collins, coauthor, Is Paris Burning? and O Jerusalem!

"An admirable account of his [Lafayette's] life and extraordinary career on both sides of the Atlantic."
— The Sunday Telegraph (London)

Acknowledgments.

Author’s Note.

Introduction.

1 A Quest for Power and Glory.

2 An Agreeable Consort for Life.

3 "Fox Hunting . . . but Catchd Nothing."

4 A Death in the Family.

5 The Glorious Cause.

6 "The Fate of Unborn Millions."

7 An Affectionate Friend.

8 The Long Journey Home.

9 A Broken Promise.

10 “God Bless Our Washington!”

11 “Tranquillity Reigns”

12 The Voice of Your Country.

13 Vine and Fig Tree Revisited.

14 “First in the Hearts of His Countrymen”.

Epilogue.

Notes.

Selected Bibliography of Principal Sources.

Credits.

Index.