The Return of George Washington: 1783 -1789

[Read by Mark Bramhall]In this revelatory new look at our first citizen, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson masterfully chronicles how George Washington saved the United States by coming out of retirement four years after the Revolution to lead and unite the struggling new nation. Though the period between the Revolution and the presidency has previously been neglected in studies of Washington's life, Larson's startling reassessment shows that Washington's greatness in fact rests on these years - 1783 to 1789 - during which he completed a remarkable journey that secured the future of the nation. From a contented postmilitary life at Mount Vernon and his agonizing decision to return to public service; to his indispensable, though still underappreciated role in shaping the Constitution and securing its ratification; to his victory in the first federal elections and his inauguration in New York, The Return of George Washington is a landmark work that rightfully elevates our foremost Founding Father's ''forgotten years'' to a central place in the American story.After commanding the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, General George Washington shocked the world: he retired. In December 1783, Washington, the most powerful and popular man in the country, stepped down as commander-in-chief and returned to private life as a gentleman farmer. Yet as Washington found happiness in successfully growing his Virginia estate, the fledgling American experiment foundered. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states bickered and grew apart, debts accumulated, national security was neglected, and the economy faltered.When a Constitutional Convention was called to forge a new government, its chances of success were slim. Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and other leaders realized only one American could unite the fractious states. After months of anguish, Washington - reluctant but duty bound - answered the call and rode from his beloved Mount Vernon to Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to preside over the convention. Although Washington is curiously overlooked in most accounts of the Constitution, Larson brilliantly uncovers Washington's vital role in shaping the convention - and shows how it was only with Washington's support and influence that the delegates passed, and the states later ratified, the Constitution that has guided our government to this day.