Part hagiography of Washington and part history, it seeks to demonstrate how Washington established the precedent for the role of Commander In Chief via his conduct in the Revolutionary War. Although repetitive in spots, it does a good job of showing the power struggle between Washington and the Continental Congress. Power that would eventually shift to Washington's control. For a lesser man, this would have been dangerous, Washington used such amassed power prudently. He was certainly admirable in that respect, though some of his application of that power in individual cases - torture, executions, etc. were less admirable. Unfortunately, many " originalists" of Scalia mindset and other ideologues in the political area claim to have a monopoly on intent and history while ignoring the special circumstances of the Revolution. Thus, they apply interpretations that fit their narrow world view, justifying human rights abuses and the rights of individual citizens en route. Washington would surely have been appalled. ( )

When Independence Day approached this year, I searched my backlog of TBR books and without hesitation selected BLOOD OF TYRANTS. Skeptics may question whether another book about our first president would offer new insight. Logan Bierne has written a dramatic and entertaining history of George Washington pulled from his research. It is a completely enveloping read, with lesser known anecdotes and stories about George Washington to satisfy the curious. For example, Did you know his teeth were made from hippopotamus ivory and human teeth, not from wood?

As our country struggled to emerge as a united collection of states, Congress wanted to micromanage the war through Washington’s leadership. This approach failed miserably. It became clear to Congress that they needed to delegate full control for the armed services to George Washington, their Commander in Chief. With this decision, the American Revolution changed direction with the outcome destined for success in the hands of George Washington. That Congress would grant such absolute power to one individual is surprising. Just imagine how difficult it would be to change the Commander in Chief’s job description today, in the middle of a war. Had Washington faced our current divisive partisan politicians on Capitol Hill what results might the country have suffered?

BLOOD OF TYRANTS shows how the Presidency of the United States and the role of Commander in Chief merged as a result of the American Revolution. When deciding the role of America’s President, the people looked to the brilliant leadership shown by George Washington, a proven success. According to Bierne, some believed Washington had an immortal bullet-proof shield of protection that kept him safe. He was known to be an active inspirational commander, brave and fearless who wanted to protect all Americans, Patriots and Loyalists for the good of the new nation.

Logan Beirne has a deliberate purpose as he presents a focused approach specifically on the role of Commander in Chief in America’s early political theater. BLOOD OF TYRANTS will astound readers with new awareness. Without a doubt it promises to provide much discussion and reflection among readers, both students and historians. One of my best pick reads for 2013.

Wisteria Leigh
July 5, 2013

DISCLOSURE: I obtained a copy of this Kindle edition on Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. ( )