Manyebook

The Life of Washington

"George," said his father, "do you know you killed that beautiful little cherry-tree yonder in the garden?" This was a tough question, and George staggered under it for a moment, but quickly recovered himself; and looking at his father, with the sweet face of youth brightened with the inexpressible charm of all-conquering truth, he bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, Pa, you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet."

The effect of this "single, immortal, and dubious anecdote," and others like it, has made this book one of the most influential in the history of American folklore. Originally published as an eighty-page pamphlet entitled The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington, it quickly attained immense popularity. In 1806 a so-called fifth edition was published which contained for the first time the tale of George Washington and the cherry tree; the book has survived to this day, although largely on the basis of that episode. This volume follows the text of the ninth (1809) printing, which included all the famous anecdotes. The first republication of the book since 1927, it is unique in its detailed commentary on Weems and other biographers of Washington.

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 226
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9780674532519
  • Genres
  • biography, history
  • Release date
  • 1962