After more than two decades; this dramatic and concise single-volume distillation of James Thomas Flexner's definitive four-volume biography "George Washington;" which received a Pulitzer Prize citation and a National Book Award for the fourth volume; has itself become an American classic. Now in a new trade paperback edition; this masterful work explores the Father of Our Country - sometimes an unpopular hero; a man of great contradictions; but always a towering historical figure; who remains; as Flexner writes in these pages; "a fallible human being made of flesh and blood and spirit - not a statue of marble and wood... a great and good man." The author unflinchingly paints a portrait of Washington: slave owner; brave leader; man of passion; reluctant politician; and fierce general. His complex character and career are neither glorified nor vilified here; rather; Flexner sets up a brilliant counterpoint between Washington's public and private lives and gives us a challenging look at the man who has become as much a national symbol as the American flag.
#73580 in BooksSize: 0000 Craig Childs 2008-07-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 1.38 x 5.50l; .98 #File Name: 0316067547512 pagesBack Bay Books
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. House of Rain delighted this reader with its clash of theoriesBy Sue J. CauhapeCraig Childs walked the vast space that the ancient people of the American Southwest trekked as they migrated from Chaco to Colorado to as far south as Mexico. With various archeologists adding to his wealth of information and theories about these people; Childs takes us with him on a journey of hardships faced by these people. He explores the factors that compelled them to wander; leaving behind foodstuffs for their return. He compares the artifacts produced by several ethnic groups who merged in this churning of cultures; religions; and political views that often led to wars on a horrendous scale. House of Rain delighted this reader with its clash of theories; vivid descriptions of places and objects; and its story of how people lived and died in a landscape so huge and complex; it defies our need to put things in order.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wow - this book made me think on many levels and also want to go see some Anasazi sitesBy CustomerExcellent book; not my normal genre; but I found it fascinating. On a whim I purchased this book as a deal of the day; because I had heard of the mysterious Anasazi but knew nothing about them; and had always been curious about the cliff dwellings.The book is written as a narrative about the authors journeys and discoveries chasing the roots and history of the Native American people who thrived and built a great civilization across the Midwest but seemed to disappear in the 13th century. I found the history of the people fascinating and was amazed at how far their empire stretched; was intrigued by the forensic methods archeologists were using to uncover their history; by how much was still hidden; and also by the telling signs of what happened in the end years as their civilization collapsed and fell to ruin.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. excellent summation of the four corners area and told from ...By Sandra A. Nearyexcellent summation of the four corners area and told from a unique perspective. I warn you that it takes a couple chapters to really get into Child's story. Wonderful index and definition of terms in the end. If you plan to visit the area; this is a must read right along with all the dry and politically correct archaeological tomes.
