I tre racconti che compongono questo volume sono rappresentativi dell'opera di George Washington Cable e ne costituiscono probabilmente i momenti d'ispirazione più felici. La storia di Bras-Coupé è cuore pulsante e centro nevralgico del romanzo The Grandissimes (1880), capolavoro della letteratura statunitense tardo-ottocentesca, mai tradotto in italiano. Ispirato a vicende storiche divenute leggenda popolare, il testo s'incentra sulla parabola di un principe africano deportato come schiavo nella Louisiana di fine Settecento e sullo scontro con la casta creola locale che lo condannerà a una terribile fine. Cable rielabora diverse fonti con magistrale ironia dando vita a una potente satira della società creola schiavista e celebrando, al contempo, la cultura e la creatività nere attraverso un indimenticabile protagonista. La piantagione Belles Demoiselles (1879), considerato il lavoro migliore di Cable, viene qui proposto in una nuova traduzione. Il racconto ripercorre la storia familiare di un aristocratico piantatore e di un suo lontano parente di sangue misto, scorrendo ora amabile ora arguto fino all'evento sconvolgente che ridefinirà le posizioni dei due antagonisti.

Come comportarsi a tavola, come vestire, come ascoltare e parlare con estranei? Ma anche: come farsi apprezzare dagli altri e come valutare gli uomini? A queste, come a molte altre domande, George Washington (1732-1799) risponde indicando ai suoi compatrioti il modo più corretto di agire. Così colui che sarà il primo Presidente degli Stati Uniti pensa di contribuire alla trasformazione di un popolo eterogeneo e incolto, per farne una nazione di cittadini civili e moderni. 'Le Regole di civiltà non rappresentarono solo come scrive Marco Sioli nella Prefazione - un punto fondamentale nella vita di Washington, bensì si imposero come modello per la formazione culturale delle élite dell'epoca'. Leggere oggi queste indicazioni può, di tanto in tanto, far sorridere, ma qualcosa potrebbe essere applicato con buoni risultati anche in una civiltà 'educata' e 'moderna' come la nostra...

This innovative gift book allows kids to peek into the mind of George Washington and the more than 100 lessons by which he lived his life. Modern translations and hilarious caricature illustrations provide a lighthearted and fun way to learn about history and good manners at the same time. Featuring the Rules of Civility that George Washington learned when he was a child, this book focuses on 50 of George's maxims, ranging from table manners to polite conversation to being a good citizen. Because the Rules of Civility are centuries old, this book also includes 'translations' of the rules into contemporary and witty kid-friendly explanations that any young reader can relate to. Paired with laugh-out-loud illustrations, this book is a sure-fire guide to amazing etiquette.

Mount Vernon introduces replica of Acts of Congress, exquisite copy of history-making volume unveiled for library opening.

It was a book that made history, owned and treasured by the man whose ideas and values shaped the founding of a nation. Purchased for $9.8 million by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, George Washington’s personal copy of the Acts of Congress captured headlines around the globe in 2012 when it set a new auction record, returning to the hands of the organization that safeguards his life and legacy.

This fascinating volume is now back home at Washington’s Virginia estate, and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has designed a stunning reproduction—a must-have for history lovers who were captivated by the story of the book’s remarkable rescue and return.

In his own personal copy of the Constitution, included in the Acts, George Washington carefully took note of the roles and responsibilities he would undertake as the first democratically elected leader of a republican government. It was not an office he sought, but one that he accepted, bending to his country’s voice “with veneration and love.” He received the vote of all sixty-nine electors making him the only unanimously elected president. The precedents that Washington established as the leader of a new nation have endured for more than 225 years, and so, too, has his personal copy of the document that served as his guide.

First published in September 1789, the original volume is in remarkable condition. On the cover, still shiny gilt letters spell out the title of the book’s owner, “President of the United States,” while a decorative gold pattern adorns its spine. The inside cover bears Washington’s bookplate, a personal touch that he reserved for his most cherished volumes, and the title page bears his signature. He brought the book back to his Mount Vernon estate upon retiring from the presidency in 1797, and it remained there until his death.

Since its purchase by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, tens of thousands of Washington admirers have viewed the Acts in temporary exhibitions at Mount Vernon and at all thirteen presidential libraries. Marveling at the book’s significance to the founding of the United States and at the insights it offers into the mind of its first leader, they have expressed a desire to thumb through its fragile pages to read more of Washington’s notes. This new reproduction book will enable them to do so, and to discuss and reflect upon the significance of the words with friends, family, students, and colleagues.

To replicate the original volume in an authentic manner, each component of the 106-page-book is painstakingly designed to match the original. The pages are yellowed slightly to show the effects of passing centuries. Ink smudges and flourishes mimic the imperfect printing processes of the 18th century. The leather cover is aged to appear slightly worn, and the variations in its gold accents mirror the ones found on Washington’s volume. The replica also copies, line for line, Washington’s margin notes—the penciled words and neat bracket drawings that point to the duties that he considered most important.

The book’s release coincides with the opening of The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon in fall 2013

Taking his inspiration from a 16^th century French manual on etiquette, young George Washington compiled his own set of instructions under the title, The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior.

George Washington was the senior officer of the colonial forces during the firststages of the French and Indian War, the commander in chief of the ContinentalArmy during the American Revolution, the man who presided over theConstitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution, and thefirst president of what became the United States of America; is it any wonderwe look to this brave and forward-thinking man for inspiration on how to livewith courage and honor? Including letters to friends and foes during the Frenchand Indian War and the American Revolution, orders and instructions to thetroops, and speeches he gave during his life, collected here are essays and adviceby George Washington on living a courageous life.

'Impegnatevi per tenere viva nel vostro cuore quella piccola scintilla di luce celestiale chiamata coscienza.' Con quest'ultimo precetto, un George Washington appena tredicenne chiude il suo manuale di buone maniere che, dal Settecento, giunge fino a noi con una carica di straordinaria attualità. Non interrompere qualcuno mentre parla, suggerisce Washington, non rivelare segreti né fonti e non sparlare degli altri, semplicemente 'perché è ingiusto'. Taci piuttosto che dir sciocchezze, e 'quando un uomo fa tutto ciò che può, non biasimarlo se non riesce nel suo intento.' Pillole di saggezza preziose, che vien voglia di leggere e rileggere fino a farle proprie.

One of a massive series of volumes presenting the papers of George Washington, this volume in the Revolutionary War Series, contains letters and other papers of Washington from May and June of 1778, as well all letters to Washington during the period, a span which includes the Continental Army's last weeks at Valley Forge, the British evacuation of Philadelphia, and the Battle of Monmouth Court House. Transcription of the documents has sought to provide as literal a reproduction of the original papers as possible. Where differing versions of documents exist, the one closest to that received by the addressee is used. Explanatory annotations are included, as is a comprehensive subject index covering all published volumes (five more are expected). Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Part of a five-part series, this volume contains all of Washington's correspondence during the first five months of 1793, both the letters he wrote and those he received. Among the topics are detailed descriptions and discussion of Washington's farms at Mount Vernon, the development of the Federal District and the building of the U.S. Capitol, ongoing encounters with Indians in the Northwest Territories, and--what was felt to be the gravest issue of the time--discussion as to what role the U.S. should play in the war between France and Great Britain's coalition. Letters are included to and from Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

George Herbert (1593-1633) has come to be one of the most admired of the metaphysical poets. Though he is a profoundly religious poet, even secular readers respond to his quiet intensity and exuberant inventiveness, which are amply showcased in this selection.

Herbert experimented brilliantly with a remarkable variety of forms, from hymns and sonnets to pattern poems, the shapes of which reveal their subjects. Such technical agility never seems ostentatious, however, for precision of language and expression of genuine feeling were the primary concerns of this poet, who admonished his readers to “dare to be true.” An Anglican priest who took his calling with deep seriousness, he brought to his work a religious reverence richly allied with a playful wit and with literary and musical gifts of the highest order. His best-loved poems, from “The Collar” and “Jordan” to “The Altar” and “Easter Wings,” achieve a perfection of form and feeling, a rare luminosity, and a timeless metaphysical grandeur.

Late in 1787, George Washington wrote a rare autobiographical account of his service in the French and Indian War. He related his experiences in a compelling eleven-page narrative that includes a vivid account of Braddock's defeat in 1755 and a description of a friendly-fire incident in 1758 that 'involved the life of GW in as much jeopardy as it had ever been before or since.'
George Washington Remembers makes this very personal and little-known document available for the first time and offers a glimpse of Washington in a self-reflective mood - a side of the man seldom seen in his other writings. The facsimile reproduction of Washington's 'Remarks' is accompanied by an annotated transcript and original essays that place the work in the context of the French and Indian War and Washington's life.
Lavishly illustrated, this remarkable book is essential for all interested in George Washington and our nation's founding period.

This volume of Washington's correspondence collects his writing and letters he received during two months of the army's stay at Valley Forge. The letters address topics like the scarcity of supplies, the forthcoming summer campaign, the readiness of the troops, training, absenteeism, reforms of the officer corps, negotiations with the British, Loyalists, and the alliance with France. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A selection of the first President's writings follows his life from an entry in his journal written as a teenager to his last diary entry written the day before he died, showing a man who was dedicated to his family, friends, home, and the country he helped shape.