Wanted to make a post quickly and give a slight apology to Chernow. I mentioned in a few of the previous posts that his writing style was somewhat monotonous and the biography somewhat hagiographic. I haven’t necessarily fully changed my mind about either of those things, but as I swing past page 500 (according to my Kindle) I am softening my stance.
Chernow really does do a masterful job of showing Washington’s struggle with different issues – slavery, in particular – and displaying how conflicted someone of his fame and notoriety can be. If, as I mentioned in the first post, I’m hell bent against the “Great Man” interpretation of history (which I am), then I have to appreciate how well Chernow uses Washington’s own words to show his hesitancy, his waffling on issues, etc. None of this detracts from any of Washington’s accomplishments, but it does show that even “Great Men” are subject to the same failing and doubts as the rest of us mere mortals.
Also, Chernow really has started to look at the institutions of the early nation now, particularly slavery and the economy of the Southern states, showing at least a passing appreciation for how institutions within a society affect history, and not just particular characters. I appreciate that.
He still does need to learn when to start a new paragraph though. Are “run-on paragraphs” a thing? Says the man who just published his first post without multiple footnotes.[1]
[1] I love Terry Pratchett and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Chernow really does do a masterful job of showing Washington’s struggle with different issues – slavery, in particular – and displaying how conflicted someone of his fame and notoriety can be. If, as I mentioned in the first post, I’m hell bent against the “Great Man” interpretation of history (which I am), then I have to appreciate how well Chernow uses Washington’s own words to show his hesitancy, his waffling on issues, etc. None of this detracts from any of Washington’s accomplishments, but it does show that even “Great Men” are subject to the same failing and doubts as the rest of us mere mortals.
Also, Chernow really has started to look at the institutions of the early nation now, particularly slavery and the economy of the Southern states, showing at least a passing appreciation for how institutions within a society affect history, and not just particular characters. I appreciate that.
He still does need to learn when to start a new paragraph though. Are “run-on paragraphs” a thing? Says the man who just published his first post without multiple footnotes.[1]
[1] I love Terry Pratchett and there’s nothing you can do about it.