The Presidency of George Washington, 1789-1797

His presidency capped off the Revolution, strengthened a nation in its infancy, and created a mythic standard for American politics and leadership that still haunts Washington D.C. Distinguished historian John Ferling pulls back the curtain of myth that has enshrouded the nation’s first President, brings to light the real George Washington—his ambitions, foibles and true strengths—and reveals why, in Ferling’s words, America was “fortunate to have have had Washington and lucky to have survived him.”

John Ferling, professor emeritus at the University of West Georgia, is the author of numerous books including The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon, the award-winning Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence and A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic. Dr. Ferling delivered the inaugural History Forum lecture in 2004. He is also a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians.