Product Description

Describes the life shared by George and Martha Washington, with an emphasis on the government activities, historical events, and social and sociological aspects of their residence in New York City during the seventeen months when it was the nation's first capital.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4950695 in Books
• Published on: 1989-04
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Library Binding
• 74 pages

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- This excellent social and political history of life in New York City, from the point of view of the Washingtons, is a breath of fresh air. The narrative brings New York City and the Washington family vividly alive. Its description of their daily lives--their trips, friends, and entertainments--makes readers aware of the city's physical layout, and of the lives of both the rich and the poor. As readers see and experience New York City through the Washingtons' eyes, it's clear how their viewpoints were formed originally, as those of rich Southerners, and then affected by their sojourn in the city. A particularly interesting section describes the role of slavery in the Washingtons' lives and how their outlook changed as a direct result of their life in New York. The illustrations, however, while appropriate to the text, are not particularly enlightening. Liberal quotations from letters and memoirs throughout the text add an extra dimension by showing how people of the period felt, thought, and acted. Readers of all ages will find it hard to put this fascinating book down; however, because of the unattractive cover, it will need to be booktalked. --Janet E. Gelfand, Lawrence Junior High School, NY

Copyright 1989 Cahners Business Information, Inc.