A Sacred Union of Citizens: George Washington's Farewell Address and the American Character - Softcover

Matthew Spalding; Patrick J. Garrity; Daniel J. Boorstin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0847682625 ISBN 13: 9780847682621

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1998

Synopsis

One of the most influential but misunderstood expressions of American political thought, George Washington's 1796 Farewell Address is placed in the full context of American history and the authors explain its enduring relevance for the next century. Generations of American political leaders have invoked the authority of the Address to shape foreign and domestic policy. With discussions about national character and personal responsibility dominating the current political landscape, there has been a resurgence of interest in the character of the nation's founders, particularly Washington's. The authors show how the Address expressed Washington's ideas for forming a national character that would cultivate the habits, morals, and civic virtues essential for stable republican self-government.

About this title

Review:

Two hundred years after The Farewell Address was published, Matthew Spalding and Patrick J. Garrity help Washington speak once more to his 'Friends and Fellow Citizens'.--Richard Brookhiser "National Review "

. . . a definitive analysis of George Washington's farewell address . . .--Margaret Flanagan "Booklist "

On its two-hundredth anniversary, it is appropriate for Americans to remember and reconsider this great document. A Sacred Union of Citizens is a contribution not only to the current renaissance in Washington scholarship but also to contemporary debates about citizenship and the American character.--Daniel J. Boorstin, from the Introduction

This splendid volume, reminds us of how much we owe to George Washington.--Walter Berns, John M. Olin University Professor, Georgetown University

Spalding's and Garrity's work is a convincing argument for the importance of Washington's ideas for our time.--American Historical Review

Spalding and Garrity show how George Washington was able to help shape the hearts of his countrymen--and how Washington's speeches and deeds can help shape them still. An intelligent and important work.--The Weekly Standard

In this impressive volume, Mr. Spalding and Mr. Garrity see a great lesson in Washington's Farewell Address . . . . This book is a major contribution to Washington scholarship.--The Washington Times

It is worth sampling and the Farewell Address itself is definantly worth reading . . .--Richmond Times-Dispatch

Spalding and Garrity focus on the effect of Washington's character on the new republic on his speach . . . the book outlines Washington's efforts to impress his character traits on the new government and to establish its course.--Library Journal

This marvelous book helps to renew our understanding of George Washington's enormous contribution to the founding of our country, and of the continuing relevance of his example to the problems we face today.--William A. Galston, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution

From the Back Cover:

On the two-hundredth anniversary of George Washington's 1796 Farewell Address - one of the most influential but misunderstood expressions of American political thought - this book places the Address in the full context of American history and explains its enduring relevance for the next century. Generations of American political leaders have invoked the authority of the Address to shape foreign and domestic policy. With discussions about national character and personal responsibility dominating the current political landscape, there has been a resurgence of interest in the character of the nation's founders, particularly Washington's. The authors show how the Address expressed Washington's ideas for forming a national character that would cultivate the habits, morals, and civic virtues essential for stable republican self-government. An insightful and provocative analysis of the past, present, and future of American democracy and its most important citizen, this book will be of value to anyone concerned about the current state of American citizenship and the future role of the federal government.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0847682625
• ISBN 13: 9780847682621
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240