In the tradition of Karen Armstrong; Jack Miles; andThomas Cahill comes a magisterial history of the coming of Buddhism tothe West.
#455438 in Books 1965-01-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.06 x 5.98l; 1.61 #File Name: 0316285978390 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An excellent series of booksBy A readerThis series of four books is an excellent biography of George Washington; written in a very readable style. Very few books on history are page-turners; but this series is hard to put down. I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in Washington or early American history.15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. A review of the the whole seriesBy A CustomerI would strongly encourage those interested in both Washington and our early republic to read the entire four volume biography; of which this is the first volume. Volume II is out of print and hard to get; but available in libraries. I got one from a used book store through the Internet; but paid a premium.Washington was at the center of everything important that happened to this country prior to 1800. Through this biography; you not only live through a magnificent life; but you experience the birth and early life of our republic. Flexner makes a persuavise case that the actions of the Founding Fathers after the revolution were perhaps more important that the War itself. I did not once find four volumes to be overly long. Indeed; I relished every detail.As for writing style; the first volume; whether because it was written first; or because the material is less inspiring; has the least interesting prose. It's certainly adequate and competant; but not inspiring. Volumes II; III and IV; however; are not only excellently researched; they are written in a romantic; literary style that too few historians still use. There is a remark; for example; about Adams jealously feeling like he's the girl no one will dance with; while Washington is the belle of the ball; it's not PC by today's standards; but it's funny and makes a point.I'd particularly urge readers not to skip Volume II; on the Revolutionary War; even if you've read many other accounts. To see that War through Washington's eyes brings a new and insightful perspective.This is; in my view; one of the great American historical biographies. It is not heavily read; possibly because of his one volume condensation; or maybe because people just don't read multi-volume works anymore. I doubt few history lovers will be disappointed with this work.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. All this quibbling about who is the greatest President of the United States is a waste of ...By Jerry L MarshI read the entire multi-volume series by Flexner. All this quibbling about who is the greatest President of the United States is a waste of time. There was only one greatest President of the United States; George Washington. The only one that comes close is Lincoln. If one is interested in learning more about our greatest president and is willing to put in the time; Flexner's volumes will serve the purpose quite well. There is a one volume work by Flexner if one prefers to take a short cut.
