Muneel Zaidi's Reviews > You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington

George Washington is not lacking biographies, but he is lacking diversity in the perspective of those biographies. Coe's perspective is different, mainly because she is different from the average historian apt to write about the first president.

Her account of Washington's life is intentionally incomplete; she chooses not to detail aspects well covered in other biographies. Her focus is on the forgotten parts of his life the make him more of a person and less a historical figure. This includes the joyful details about his favorite snacks, many pets, and early love life. However, darker aspects are not spared, including accounts of his anger getting the better of him, and some physical abuses to the slaves he owned (sometimes by his hand).

When she does discuss topics that are common to most of his biographies, she does so with a critical eye. She examines his legendary military victories, but notes he has more defeats than wins. She summarizes his abilities, and elaborates on his not-so-well-known skills, such as his prowesses in espionage, which may have been his most critical military strength.

Most avid readers of founding-father biographies may not like this biography. It illuminates unsavory parts of his life, discusses seemingly trivial topics like his sense of fashion, and is not afraid to call him out for his mistakes. But that's what makes this an excellent read for somebody looking to have a complete picture of the man. But be warned, you should never meet your heroes.