It's Monday, What are You Reading?
First Entrepreneur:
First Entrepreneur:
How George Washington Built His - and the Nation’s - Prosperity
by Edward G. Lengel
by Edward G. Lengel
This post is the one-hundred and fourteenth entry for this meme suggested by Sheila@ One Persons Journey Through A World of Books. [Entries 22-25 in the series were posted at the Dr. Bill Tells Ancestor Stories]
This is the second of the two books on my Wish List that Nancy got me for my birthday, from Amazon…this one in Print Edition. Should be a fun read! ;-)
Book Description from Amazon:
George Washington was not only “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”—he was also America’s most important entrepreneur.
Editorial Reviews from Amazon:
Praise for First Entrepreneur
"First Entrepreneur is an almost magical book. It deftly tells the little known story of George Washington’s life as a man of business and simultaneously convinces us that his vision of a commercial nation creating a community of interests between all parts of America was (and still is) the key to our survival as a nation. Edward Lengel has added a new dimension to Washington’s greatness."—Thomas Fleming, author of The Great Divide
"Edward Lengel, who knows George Washington inside and out, has authored a thoughtful, carefully researched, and gracefully written account of the founder as a businessman. Mention Washington and the picture that comes to mind is that of a soldier and statesman. But, as Lengel demonstrates, Washington was a bold, risk-taking, innovative, calculating, and, above all, successful investor and entrepreneur. Lengel shows how Washington brought his business and managerial skills to his roles as commander of the Continental Army and the presidency and how they helped him succeed in those capacities. This is an excellent and illuminating book that deserves to be read."—John Ferling, author of Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It
"In this original, lucid, and accessible study, Edward Lengel deploys his mastery of George Washington's vast correspondence to reveal a surprising yet highly significant side to his character. He shows how the energy, realism, and willingness to innovate that typified Washington's approach to his own business ventures was transferred, with momentous consequences, when he led America in war and peace. First Entrepreneur provides a fascinating portrait of an inveterate micro-manager whose hands-on experience taught him that commerce was the strongest cement for bonding the newly United States."—Stephen Brumwell, author of George Washington: Gentleman Warrior
Kirkus Reviews, 12/15/15
"[Lengel] organically traces the evolution of Washington's free market thinking through his first and second presidential terms: building a national economy, encouraging domestic manufacturing, establishing a central bank, and developing a sense of unity of purpose. A deeply researched and nicely handled biography."
Happy Reading!
Dr. Bill ;-)
