Super Short Summary

His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis is an intimate biography that explores Washington's character and career, presenting a balanced portrayal of America's first president. Born in Virginia, Washington rose from a rudimentary education to military leadership in the Revolutionary War, eventually becoming the first U.S. president. The book delves into Washington's efforts to maintain national unity and order, his conflicted stance on slavery, and his ultimate emancipation of his own enslaved people in his will. The narrative is supported by primary sources and features several black-and-white illustrations. The book discusses sensitive topics such as slavery.