Why read The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret?

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.

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American history

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Why read it?

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

John Koopman III

Author

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…

From John's list on The most transformative history books with a fresh look into the past.

Alexis Coe

Author

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 The best books about or around George Washington.