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Washington's End: The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle Hardcover – February 11, 2020

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 362 ratings

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Popular historian and former White House speechwriter Jonathan Horn tells the astonishing true story of George Washington’s forgotten last years—the personalities, plotting, and private torment that unraveled America’s first post-presidency.

Washington’s End begins where most biographies of George Washington leave off, with the first president exiting office after eight years and entering what would become the most bewildering stage of his life. Embittered by partisan criticism and eager to return to his farm, Washington assumed a role for which there was no precedent at a time when the kings across the ocean yielded their crowns only upon losing their heads. In a different sense, Washington would lose his head, too.

In this riveting read, bestselling author Jonathan Horn reveals that the quest to surrender power proved more difficult than Washington imagined and brought his life to an end he never expected. The statesman who had staked his legacy on withdrawing from public life would feud with his successors and find himself drawn back into military command. The patriarch who had dedicated his life to uniting his country would leave his name to a new capital city destined to become synonymous with political divisions.

A vivid story, immaculately researched and powerfully told through the eyes not only of Washington but also of his family members, friends, and foes,
Washington’s End fills a crucial gap in our nation’s history and will forever change the way we view the name Washington.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

One of Parade Magazine's "Books We Love"

"A poignant look at the father of his country in the twilight of his life. Horn . . . has a fluid, pleasing style, with stately cadences that suit his subject."
National Review

"Using meticulous research, Horn demonstrates how 'peace' eluded Washington throughout his retirement, which was repeatedly interrupted by partisan attacks, tensions with political allies, and the specter of war with France."
The American Interest

“An outstanding biographical work on one of America’s most prominent leaders. Highly recommended for those who want to better understand the early republic.” —
Library Journal

“Jonathan Horn in his new book
Washington’s End provides a captivating and enlightening look at Washington’s post-presidential life and the politically divided country that was part of his legacy.” —New York Journal of Books

“Horn ably captures the tension of Washington's inner turmoil as he continued to deal with urgent dispatches and unwanted news from the capital. A useful biography that provides an honest reckoning of Washington's life and legacy.” —
Kirkus Reviews

“The standard histories of George Washington invariably end when he surrendered power as president after eight years. Yet as Jonathan Horn reminds us, Washington's post-presidency was fascinating and important in its own right. Vividly told and impeccably researched,
Washington's End is a movable feast of a book. Read it, savor it, learn from it.”
—Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author of April 1865 and 1944

“Every great man, even George Washington, has his Lion in Winter moment. Jonathan Horn brings us along on this cold sad journey, lighting the path with brilliant writing and characterization.”
—Robert L. O’Connell, bestselling author of Fierce Patriot and Revolutionary: George Washington at War

“There have been hundreds of biographies about the Father of our country but to me, this is one of the best. Jonathan Horn knows how to tell a story and he starts where most biographers stop: the end of Washington’s presidency. In doing so he humanizes Washington as no previous historian has done. He reminds us that icons have feelings too and understanding Washington’s personal side gives us an even greater appreciation of the public man. I can’t remember a book where I paused so many times to say to myself, ‘I didn’t know that.’ This engaging book is history served up exactly the way I like it. A wonderful and insightful read.”
—Bob Schieffer, CBS News

“A remarkable work, revealing Washington as seldom seen before—up close, warm, intimate. Washington opens his heart and soul about his country, his friends and associates, his family—and himself. Jonathan Horn’s book is a unique portrayal of Washington’s private life as he shapes the presidency and a new nation—and tries to prepare America for a future without him.”
—Harlow Giles Unger, author of Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence

“A riveting read and a powerful story! Jonathan Horn relates the fascinating story of Washington’s long overlooked final years, describing vividly the president’s return to private life and the subsequent intrigues, feuds, return to uniform, and personal torment that beset America’s first ex-president.”
—General David Petraeus, former commander of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and U.S. Central Command, and former Director of the CIA

About the Author

Jonathan Horn is an author and former White House presidential speechwriter whose books include Washington’s End and the Robert E. Lee biography The Man Who Would Not Be Washington, which was a Washington Post bestseller. He has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times Disunion series, New York Post, The Daily Beast, National Review, and POLITICO, and has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and PBS NewsHour. A graduate of Yale, he lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, two children, and dog.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner (February 11, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501154230
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501154232
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 362 ratings

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Jonathan Horn
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Jonathan Horn is an author and former White House presidential speechwriter whose books include Washington’s End and the Robert E. Lee biography The Man Who Would Not Be Washington, which was a Washington Post bestseller. He has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times Disunion series, New York Post, The Daily Beast, National Review, and Politico Magazine, and has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and PBS NewsHour. A graduate of Yale, he lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, two children, and dog. On April 15, 2025, Scribner will publish his newest book, The Fate of the Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright, and the Epic Battle for the Philippines.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
362 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-researched and enjoyable. They find it insightful, informative, and engaging. The writing style is described as well-written and balancing narrative with historical overview. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking and evocative content.

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13 customers mention "Readability"12 positive1 negative

Customers find the book interesting and well-researched. They say it's worth reading, with realistic characters that make it a good purchase.

"This great book brought into focus The Father of our Country’s life was like after he was President. Not much idle time for George...." Read more

"This is a must read if you are either a Washington enthusiast, or a fan of the lore from this part of the nation's history...." Read more

"...Excellent book. Washington generally comes off well. Adams, Jefferson and several others not so much...." Read more

"...Quite a well researched read for those who respect the founders, especially the wonderful Washington." Read more

11 customers mention "Thought provoking"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative. They describe it as an engaging, compelling read with a rich story that stays true to history. The book is described as a must-read in today's political climate and an excellent reference for high school or college history classes.

"...I feel like I know him better after reading this. I kept me interested the whole time and I’m all the better for it." Read more

"...has a knack for nailing a rich, riveting story while staying ever true to the facts. I really dug his writing style...." Read more

"...This book tells it with compassion and interest and I highly recommend it." Read more

"...Washington's End is beautifully written, insightful and extremely accurate as well...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and well-crafted. They appreciate the author's skill in balancing narrative with historical context.

"...I really dug his writing style. An incredible book about this extraordinary historical figure - I highly recommend it!" Read more

"...The author does a great job balancing between engrossing narrative and historical overview...." Read more

"What a fine telling of the great man and his times. It is comforting to note there “is nothing new under the sun.”..." Read more

"...Washington's End is beautifully written, insightful and extremely accurate as well...." Read more

3 customers mention "Thought leadership"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's thought leadership. They find it insightful and an evocative read.

"A thoughtful look at what happens in the aftermath of power. I was shocked by how relevant and applicable this book is to today’s political climate...." Read more

"A splendid, evocative read!..." Read more

"Thoughtful and insightful..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
    This great book brought into focus The Father of our Country’s life was like after he was President. Not much idle time for George. I feel like I know him better after reading this. I kept me interested the whole time and I’m all the better for it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
    This is a must read if you are either a Washington enthusiast, or a fan of the lore from this part of the nation's history. I was a fan of Horn's previous novel, "The Man Who Would Not Be Washington", and here his follow up does not disappoint - the author has a knack for nailing a rich, riveting story while staying ever true to the facts. I really dug his writing style. An incredible book about this extraordinary historical figure - I highly recommend it!
    24 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2021
    Anytime i get depressed about how awful politics is today, all i have to do is read a book or two about the early days of our nation. The technology has changed massively as have many of the issues, but i am reminded that human nature has changed little.

    Excellent book. Washington generally comes off well. Adams, Jefferson and several others not so much.

    My only real complaint with this book is that the author’s writing style and, of course, his quotes from the times, are weighted down with the ponderous linguistic style of the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
    A thoughtful look at what happens in the aftermath of power. I was shocked by how relevant and applicable this book is to today’s political climate. The author does a great job balancing between engrossing narrative and historical overview. How Washington ceded power is one of the most important, yet untold, stories in our history. This book tells it with compassion and interest and I highly recommend it.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020
    What a fine telling of the great man and his times. It is comforting to note there “is nothing new under the sun.” Men and politics have ever been full of successes, struggle and intrigue. Quite a well researched read for those who respect the founders, especially the wonderful Washington.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2020
    This book deserves the type of attention that is being given to a vastly inferior book, You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe. Washington's End is beautifully written, insightful and extremely accurate as well. The final years of GW's life is finally getting the type of attention that it deserves. Highly recommend it.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2020
    The book is pretty well written, however, it got to be a bit tedious reading, and I haven't bothered to finish it. Points seemed to be reiterated, and it got tiresome for me personally. I may or may not go back and finish it.Personally, it's nothing more than an historical addition to my collection. Maybe my grandson will enjoy it someday.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2022
    This book intrigued me because it tackles an unusual perspective: Washington after everything.
    The journalist/writer author gives us a picture of the man that does not deify him, yet highlights his leadership skills.
    It must have been difficult for George to spend so many years away, dreaming of going home, when the reality wasn’t quite what he thought.
    I think the author captured what continues to happen to this day—fame changes everything.
    I think George would have been perfectly happy going through life as a gentleman farmer.
    2 people found this helpful
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