David Humphreys’ “Life of General Washington” (Magill’s Literary Annual 1991-2005)
At a glance:
- Author: David Humphreys
- First Published: 1991
- Type of Work: Biography
- Time of Work: 1732-1789
- Setting: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York
- Principal Characters: George Washington, David Humphreys
- Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography
- Subjects: Family or family life, Revolutionaries, Friendship, Poetry or poets, War, Alcohol, Military life or service, Heroes or heroism, Agriculture, Self-revelations
- Locales: Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey
David Humphreys’ life of Washington, interspersed with Washington’s own comments and reflections, has little value as a biography, but it is important for the light it sheds on the relationship between Humphreys and Washington and for Washington’s own self-evaluation. To Humphreys, Washington is always godlike and the exemplary gentleman and soldier. Washington’s “Remarks,” bracketed with the narrative, offer clues to Washington’s mentality and personal attributes. The editor includes Humphreys’ outlines for the biography, “non-biographical material” from...
[The entire page is 2249 words long]
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