Martha Washington: An American Life

Martha Custis was an attractive, wealthy widow and the mother of two young children when she agreed to marry again in 1759 and begin a new life as Martha Washington. For the next forty-one years, Martha was not only her husband’s beloved partner, but also the absolute mainstay of his increasingly powerful and stressful life. Far from the kindly frump of popular mythology, Brady has discovered a decisive, indomitable woman who contributed greatly to the character of the new country in war and peace. In her superb new biography, Patricia Brady at last gives the first first lady her due.

Though Martha Washington burned their private correspondence after George’s death, Brady draws on a vast array of primary sources to reconstruct the daily texture of the Washingtons’ marriage as well as the nuances of Martha’s character. Martha Washington was a strong-minded, passionate individual, a woman deeply devoted to her husband, children, and country. This first biography to capture her generosity, humor, grace, and stubborn resourcefulness is sure to win fans of Founding Mothers and anyone curious about women’s roles in the shaping of our nation.