Synopses & Reviews
Martha Custis was an attractive, wealthy widow and the mother of two young children when she agreed to marry again in 1759 and begin a new life as Martha Washington. For the next forty-one years, Martha was not only her husbands beloved partner, but also the absolute mainstay of his increasingly powerful and stressful life. Far from the kindly frump of popular mythology, Brady has discovered a decisive, indomitable woman who contributed greatly to the character of the new country in war and peace. In her superb new biography, Patricia Brady at last gives the first first lady her due.
Though Martha Washington burned their private correspondence after Georges death, Brady draws on a vast array of primary sources to reconstruct the daily texture of the Washingtons marriage as well as the nuances of Marthas character. Martha Washington was a strong-minded, passionate individual, a woman deeply devoted to her husband, children, and country. This first biography to capture her generosity, humor, grace, and stubborn resourcefulness is sure to win fans of Founding Mothers and anyone curious about womens roles in the shaping of our nation.
Synopsis
In her superb new biography, Brady draws on a vast array of primary sources to reconstruct the daily texture of the Washingtons' marriage as well as the nuances of Martha's character.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Patricia Brady, who holds a Ph.D. in history from Tulane University, served for twenty years as director of publications at the Historic New Orleans Collection. The editor of several books on Nelly Custis Lewis (Martha Washingtons granddaughter), she has published many articles on southern history.
Table of Contents
Martha Washington
Prologue: On the Road to History
One: Little Patsy Dandridge
Two: Courtship
Three: Young Mrs. Custis
Four: The Widow Custis and Colonel Washington
Five: Gentry Life at Mount Vernon
Six: Lady Washington and the American Revolution
Seven: Valley Forge and Eventual Victory
Eight: Mount Vernon and a New Family
Nine: The President's Lady
Ten: The Torments of the Second Term
Eleven: "Under Their Vine and Under Their Fig Tree"
Twelve: The Widow Washington
Epilogue: The Real Martha Washington
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index