First published 2021
George Washington's Mount Vernon estate needs repairs. Historian Nathaniel Philbrick sets out on a road trip to retrace the first president's footsteps, uncovering the man behind the marble. Bouncing between past and present, Philbrick's intimate portrait reveals a complex, often contradictory figure - brilliant military strategist, reluctant leader, flawed human being. As the journey unfolds, a vibrant picture emerges of the nation's founding amid the trials and tribulations of its inaugural leader.
Genres: biography, history, historical-fiction, travel, american, non-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-study, dual-timeline
400 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books