1845 – Life of George Washington – John Marshall | Famous President Biography – 2v

John Marshall admired George Washington greatly and sought to publish a thorough biography on the President’s life. It was based on written records that were provided by Washington’s family. However, two-thirds of this biography is concerned with Washington’s military career and depicts an accurate portrayal of the major battles of the American Revolutionary War (Sparks, preface). Larned even notes that this work is “one of the three most famous lives of Washington.”

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Life of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Forces During the War Which Established the Independence of His Country, and First President of the United States
• Author(s): John Marshall
• Publisher: Philadelphia, Published by James Crissy
• Edition: Second Edition, 1845
• Format: Octavo, two volumes
• Binding: Full leather
• Size: ~ 8.75in x 5.5in (22cm x 14cm)
• Collation:
  • Vol. I – iv, 460, 42, viii pp;
  • Vol. II – 448, 32, v, [1] pp
• Illustrations: includes portrait of Washington in volume 1
• References: Sparks, Writings of George Washington; Sabin 44788; Howes M 317; Larned 1561
• Contents Include:
  • Washington’s military campaigns during the Revolutionary War
  • Formation of the Continental Army
  • Major battles and strategic operations
  • Presidency of George Washington

Condition:

Very Good. Leather bindings tight and secure, hinges show signs of use and should be handled with care. Corners and edges show mild wear. Marbled fore-edge faded. Text remains clean with occasional spotting.

Why Collect This?

• Early authorized biography of George Washington
• Authored by Chief Justice John Marshall, using private and state papers
• Includes early publication of official documents and correspondence
• Early Philadelphia imprint in full contemporary leather bindings
• A foundational Federalist-era perspective on American independence and leadership

Item Number: # 50258