This is a straightforward biography of George Washington with none of Parson Weems' fables among the facts. The cherry tree legend is appended, set forth for what it is. As gentleman farmer, soldier, statesman and Virginia aristocrat, the major phases of Washington's career are told without adornment. Excellent use has been made of the diaries and letters for quotations and there is only one annoyance for purists -- a few of Washington's ""thoughts"" have been included but at least reasonable, logical thoughts have been put in his head. The vocabulary is over that of the easiest readers and slightly under the norm established for third graders. The illustrations are active and those that show Washington are good likenesses.