1961 Book Club Edition. When Washington took command of the pitiful, continental army outside, Boston, he was a reluctant general with other plans ambitions obligations. Against the grueling events of war, Burke Boyce has re-created the crucial years that brought George Washington as a man, and as a symbol of the Republic to full growth. Here he is in striking focus, a wonderfully appealing and vivid individual the dedicated country, man and farmer, the anxious stepfather the affectionate, often bewildered, and sometimes stern husband.