The first president of the United States of America was destined to become an internationally famous figure. There are about a thousand biographies of George Washington, starting with his contemporary, author Washington Irving. There will surely be more, as time goes by. Here is a selection of twenty books dwelling on different facets of his life and work.

1. George Washington: A Biography by Washington Irving When this famous author was young, he met George Washington.

2. George Washington: A Biography by Douglas Southall Freeman The author of this comprehensive biography won a Pulitzer Prize.

3. George Washington by David A. Adler The author has used Washington’s own writings to present an account of his life.

4. Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow This is a recent publication by a well known biographer. It shows the first president in a human light.

5. The First of Men: A Life of George Washington by John Ferling The author is a noted historian. He shows how Washington had to overcome a number of personal failings in order to succeed.

6. His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis The author has described Washington’s military and leadership roles. He informs readers about the obstacles faced by Washington.

7. Founding Father by Richard Brookhiser In addition to the life and work of Washington, this author also reflects on his legacy.

8. 1776 by David McCullough As commander of the Revolutionary Army, Washington played a key role in the founding of the United States of America. This book is a record of that historic time.

9. George Washington in the American Revolution (1775-1783) by James Thomas Flexner This is another title dwelling on Washington’s military career.

10. General Washington’s Christmas Farewell: A Mount Vernon Homecoming,1783 by Stanley Weintraub In 1783, the English were ready to sign a peace treaty, and Washington had to give up military leadership. This is a moving account of his farewell to the troops.

11. Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer This is an exciting account of the bravery of the American forces led by Washington, in a crucial battle with the British.

12. “In the Hands of a Good Providence”: Religion in the Life of George Washington by Mary Thompson The author examines the influence of Christianity on Washington.

13. The Education of George Washington by Austin Washington The great-nephew of George Washington reveals how this great man’s character was shaped by a book.

14. The Presidency of George Washington by Forrest McDonald The first president of the newly formed United States had to deal with a number of challenges. This book evaluates his strengths and deficiencies.

15. George Washington: Man and Monument by Marcus Cunliffe From his ancestry and childhood to his statesmanship, this book shows Washington as he actually was.

16. Inventing George Washington: America’s Founder in Myth and Memory by Edward Lengel The author has edited a number of Washington’s writings. In this book, he explains the circumstances following Washington’s death, and why Americans felt the need to idolise him.

17. An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America by Henry Weincek Slavery was a socially acceptable practice in Washington’s time. The author asserts that Washington realised that it was wrong and freed his slaves.

18. Year of the Hangman: George Washington’s Campaign Against the Iroquois by Glenn F. Williams The Iroquois tribes helped the British in their military campaign against the American Revolutionary Army. This is the account of the revenge exacted by Washington.

19. Washington: Lessons in Leadership by Gerald M. Carbone This book is an appraisal of Washington’s military leadership against the might of the British Army.

20. The Political Philosophy of George Washington by Jeffry Morrison The author has studied Washington’s writings to extract the guiding principles that drove him during his presidency.