The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret

By Mary V. Thompson,

Book cover of The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret: George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon

Book description

George Washington's life has been scrutinized by historians over the past three centuries, but the day-to-day lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved workers, who left few written records but made up 90 percent of the estate's population, have been largely left out of the story.

In ""The Only Unavoidable Subject of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Mount Vernon research historian Mary V. Thompson has written what will become the definitive book on slavery at George Washington's home. The book puts you in the place of an enslaved person, what their daily life was like. Throughout his life Washington struggled with slavery, he wanted it to end. Finally in his will, he freed his slaves. Sending a message to the country that slavery must end. There were those who were angered by this action, documented in the book. One contemporary said it was “the…worst act of his public life.” There were former slaves that thought differently. Over…

From John's list on a fresh look into the past.

If Mary V. Thompson didn’t work at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic home and forced labor camp, we would still have plenty of books on the first president, but they wouldn't be nearly as good--or accurate. Every discovery an author has claimed or book that hit the bestseller list can be traced back to Thompson, and her latest book on slavery at Mount Vernon should be on every self-proclaimed history buff’s bookshelf.

From Alexis' list on George Washington.

Want books like The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret.

Browse books like The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret

Book cover of Washington: A Life
Book cover of General George Washington: A Military Life
Book cover of Founding Friendships: Friendships Between Men and Women in the Early American Republic

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in slaves, Virginia, and George Washington?

Slaves 106 books
Virginia 118 books