Now available in paperback, James Cross Giblin and Michael Dooling bring the story of the first president to life for a new generation of readers.

George Washington, beloved "Father of His Country," left behind no children of his own. Instead he left a nation to which he's dedicated life. Here is his story.

Beginning with his childhood in a large, close-nit family on a Virginia farm, we follow him through his life. There is a tragedy with the death of his father, then his adored half-brother. After he grew up, George joined the Virginia militia and fought bravely in the wild Ohio country. Returning to Mount Vernon, he met and married the widow Martha Custis. But soon there came a new call to duty.