AN IMPERFECT GOD GEORGE WASHINGTON, HIS SLAVES, AND THE CREATION OF AMERICA

In AN IMPERFECT GOD, historian Henry Wiencek takes a personal look at George Washington. He concentrates heavily on the issue of slavery, pointing out the extraordinary nature of Washington's emancipation of his own slaves; no other Founding Father had taken such an action. Wiencek seeks explanations for Washington's decision, including the possibility that the first president fathered a freed black man named West Ford. He also considers Washington's experiences fighting alongside black soldiers in the American Revolution. Narrator Rick Adamson handles the factual material well, keeping listener interest without drama. Wiencek goes beyond basic biography to encourage listeners to think about what made Washington great. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]