The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Politica Genius of a Political Icon by: John Ferling

The subject of the American Revolution is a difficult subject to write about -- due to the amount of time that it covered, and the area it spread across as well. There were also so many people of note that it is hard to trace all of their actions through one cohesive time line. This book, however, does an excellent job. It is a more condensed version of the American Revolution -- due to its focus on George Washington, and his political leanings. And while there are some conclusions in this book that I am not sure I agree with, I never felt that the author was denigrating other points of view.

The book is well documented, and gives an interesting insight into George Washington, as a man -- not as a supernatural founding father. This book looks into Washington's ambitions, insecurities, and motivations with and honest effort to present the man behind the persona.

I particularly enjoyed the presentation of the difficulties that Washington encountered in his early career, and how he learned to overcome those set backs. This book beautifully portrays Washington as a man that has the ability to learn from his mistakes, and overcome them, so as to become stronger -- and a more effective leader.

This book also presents Washington, not as the great savior of the Revolution, but rather as a natural leader. His insight, and understanding of men - and his ability to use that understanding to his own ends -- without appearing to be a highly political man, lead to a success that is rarely achieved by others.

This book was a very interesting, and educational read. And while the editing could have been a little better, in some places, I believe that the book is well worth the read. The author has done a wonderful job in presenting Washington as a man that understood the world he lived in, and rather than live above that world -- he was able to grow, and develop sufficiently enough to be able to use that world to achieve his goals, and desires -- while making his country a much better place in the process.