Martha Washington: An American Life

Written by Patricia Brady

Narrated by Laural Merlington

With this revelatory and painstakingly researched book, Martha Washington, the invisible woman of American history, at last gets the biography she deserves. In place of the domestic frump of popular imagination, Patricia Brady resurrects the wealthy, attractive, and vivacious young widow who captivated the youthful George Washington. Here are the able landowner, the indomitable patriot (who faithfully joined her husband each winter at Valley Forge), and the shrewd diplomat and emotional mainstay. And even as it brings Martha Washington into sharper and more accurate focus, this sterling life sheds light on her marriage, her society, and the precedents she established for future First Ladies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781541400603

Patricia Brady

Patricia Brady is a social and cultural historian who served as director of publications at the Historic New Orleans Collection for twenty years. Her books include Martha Washington: An AmericanLife and George Washington’s Beautiful Nelly. She lives in New Orleans.

Reviews for Martha Washington

[sgerbic · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed Feb. 2008 I really enjoyed this book, well researched and easy to read. A bit hard to follow only because everyone named their children after family then had a nickname that did not match their name...ie Mary is called Polly or Martha called Patsy or Eleanor called Nelly. Lots of Georges and Washingtons as well. What I enjoyed was that the author inferred based on letters and opinions at that time, sometimes Brady would write where she gained her evidence, for example in several cases she used order forms and other primary sources as her guides. I wish there were more writings about her slaves and their importance in her life. Unfortunately we know little about the slaves. Odd that March could not understand why a slave would prefer freedom to living with the Washingtons, but you must not judge from today’s standards. Before reading this book, I did not understand how important Martha was to George, he was devoted to her (and to him) he relied on her stability, love and domestically to be one of the great presidents. I know he was frustrated with her need to spoil her children, especially her boys. This book alludes to this when I would think it was obvious. The picture on the cover of this book intrigues me, she is dressed in the style of the era, but she does not look like Martha Washington, but a current celebrity dressed like her. I can find no reference to the cover art in the book. 6-2008