Young Washington

How Wilderness and War Forged America's Founding Father

By: Peter Stark

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

FINALIST FOR THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BOOK PRIZE

The true story of a Founding Father: a new, brash, and unexpected view of the president we thought we knew, from the bestselling author of Astoria.

“Lively, well-researched . . . . A discerning history of pre-Revolutionary America and the man who shaped its future.” - Kirkus Reviews

Two decades before he led America to independence, George Washington was a flailing young soldier serving the British Empire in the vast wilderness of the Ohio Valley. Naïve and self-absorbed, the twenty-two-year-old officer accidentally ignited the French and Indian War—a conflict that opened colonists to the possibility of an American Revolution.

With powerful narrative drive and vivid writing, Young Washington recounts the wilderness trials, controversial battles, and emotional entanglements that transformed Washington from a temperamental striver into a mature leader. Enduring terrifying summer storms and subzero winters imparted resilience and self-reliance, helping prepare him for what he would one day face at Valley Forge. Leading the Virginia troops into battle taught him to set aside his own relentless ambitions and stand in solidarity with those who looked to him for leadership. Negotiating military strategy with British and colonial allies honed his diplomatic skills. And thwarted in his obsessive, youthful love for one woman, he grew to cultivate deeper, enduring relationships.

By weaving together Washington’s harrowing wilderness adventures and a broader historical context, Young Washington offers new insights into the dramatic years that shaped the man who shaped a nation.

Foot notes are annoying

Great story, though I feel like some of the scenes are embellished to create a dramatic effect, which is kinda cool and fun at times. The foot notes and citations are annoying. They should have been written into the story instead of a foot note every other paragraph with a citation. Overall a good book and another fun read for fans of his Excellency.

Fine New Information On George Washington

I was very pleased to learn about young Washington's actions and failures during the French Indian War. The few hints read in history books were well filled out. I appreciate the sense of Washington's development and growth as a young man. At times I was frustrated by the author's speculations on Washington's motive or possible feelings. when we don't have the information, we can remain silent. Good history.

Loved learning how a greater leader became one!

Great book. It made some assumptions, but framed them accordingly. Seemed to overplay the affections toward a friend, but otherwise it was top notch.

Catchy

I really enjoyed listening to this story about Washington’s youth. And my young kids loved listening too!! We all learned and got excited about the 18th century together!

Excellent! History!

Fabulous deep dive into the times and people who lived the prior to revolutionary war