Combining biography and Washington's own writings with his own trademark insights, comments, and sidebars, Beck explores our nation's first president and describes how Washington's beliefs and values--beliefs and values which united a country in an age even more fractious than our own--are especially important to remember today.

Introduction : Had I not been a witness -- Victory or death -- The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph -- When none expected much, he did the unexpected -- A valley forged of despair -- A good general, a great author -- Whom can we trust now? -- A tale of two founders -- The war turns at Yorktown -- Yorktown falls -- The world turned upside down -- Gray in your service -- A moment of crisis, a lifetime of preparation -- To please all is impossible -- Little short of a miracle -- A final farewell -- A humble agent of heaven -- Conclusion : True greatness dwells in the soul.