George Washington - Beyond Independence

A Biography of America's First President and Founding Father

By: J. R. MacGregor

Narrated by: Kevin Kollins

We’ve learned a lot about George Washington - some of it myth, most of it true. What we often forget to understand are the motivations that caused him to drive the quest for independence to its successful conclusion. The causes can’t be distilled into a few areas or moments in time; rather, it is best to look at his life and understand the elements that surrounded him and preceded him.

Washington’s life was unlike most men in his position. He had an uncommon zeal for life and an unrelenting quest for justice and truth. It was that strain of his soul that finally overflowed the boundaries of his patience and caused him to undertake what some would call a treasonous journey.

But, it was never about the disloyalty that he had for Britain. It was about the sense of right and wrong that put him in the position to fight the battles that he did and take up a cause that finally saw the severing of ties that bound us to tyranny.

He was, somehow, at all the places that lead to this one outcome. He was at the first reconnaissance mission that alerted him to French intentions. He was at the point where the French commander was scalped, which sparked retribution. That retribution spilled over into the French and Indian War, which then spilled over into the Seven Years’ War. That war dwindled the Bank of England’s resources, which led to taxes on the colonies without representation, and that kicked off the realization in the colonies that only they could stand up for themselves.

This audiobook contains that story - a biography of a man and a country.

©2021 CAC Publishing LLC (P)2022 CAC Publishing LLC

Here Comes The General

Simply put, one of the best biographies you will ever have a chance to listen . Thorough, well-researched, and a real chapter turner. Might not end up to be a musical, but still excellent.

Quite the journey.

This book shredded all my knowledge of who Washington was. Initially it was difficult to accept the less than saintly characteristics that redefined his character to me. It was crazy how disappointed I w a s to find out that he wasn't perfect, and yet by the end of the biography I had completely flipped my opinion of him again coming full circle. I embrace all his flaws appreciate just how amazing he really was. While this book is fairly lengthy, and may seem the impossible task, I encourage readers to stay the course and listen, listen, listen! It was wonderful.

One Last Time

J. R. MacGregor presents a thorough candid portrait of George Washington. His virtues and foibles are neither exaggerated nor minimized. Well written and enjoyable listen.

Great biography

I bought this book after listening and enjoying other American history biographies. This book stands out above most. It brings you into Washington's life in a very real way. This book has great detail, giving the listener a picture of how our country was founded. It very much relates to today.

Excellent listen

A very long book; however, extremely well written and engaging the entire way through George Washington's life. I learned more about the history of our country and specifically George Washington than I ever learned through 16+ years of public education. Highly recommended for any one wanting to learn about our Founding Father

Great listening

I think MacGregor's George Washington - Beyond Independence, is a better book than his biography of U.S. Grant. I enjoyed listening Grant's biography very much, but I learned much more about the founding of our country by listening this earlier work on Washington. I strongly recommend this book for those who wish to understand our history and the many conflicts Washington faced throughout his life both personally and politically. Washington's life is the story of the life of the United States' origins, even though there were many other founders who contributed greatly to the enterprise. I think the book is even handed in his treatment of the real Washington, and you come away with amazed with all he accomplished. An incredible journey, an incredible, an incredible biographer.

Great Book

I loved this book! MacGregor made George Washington come alive as a three dimensional character. It is a long book, but it never dragged. I found it interesting and engaging throughout. I hope that he continues to write wonderful books.

Extraordinary level of detail and insight

Incredible accomplishment in depicting all of the complex and difficult moments of Washington's life. Your view of the human and the events of the Revolution will never be quite the same again

Amazing!

Amazing! The toils, trials and successes of Washington as a young man, a private man and a epic public figure come alive. The best bio on Washington yet.

An excellent primer on our nation’s founding

MacGregor immaculately researched study brings Washington alive on all levels, personal, political, social, physical and brings insight to the foundation of his leadership. Many of us know the general arc of Washington’s life but not the myriad complexities of Washington’s character including his conflicted views on slavery.