Adopted Son

“Few stories in American history are more intriguing, or touching, than that of the bond that developed between General Washington and the Marquis d’Lafayette. With verve and charm, David Clary shows how the childless Washington, who felt betrayed by many of the men who surrounded him, and Lafayette, who never knew his father and lusted for glory and the chance to help the American cause, drew close in a loving and trusting relationship. With his engaging style, Clary succeeds in bringing to life Lafayette and Washington, and also in acquainting readers with America’s great and, at times seemingly forlorn, struggle for independence.”
—John Ferling, author of A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic

“As Clary shows from the extensive correspondence that Washington and Lafayette conducted, their relationship deepened into an unabashedly paternal-filial one…. Portraying youth learning from experience, Clary’s history will deservedly tap the readership of the War of Independence.” ––Booklist

"A beautifully crafted, insightful study of the deeply intertwined lives of Washington and Lafayette, two key figures in the transforming age of revolution." —Susan Dunn, author of Sister Revolutions: French Lightning, American Light 

“A finely researched work on the sometimes awkward, often endearing, and ultimately historic relation between two great leaders.” —James MacGregor Burns, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Roosevelt: Soldier of Freedom, and George Washington

"David Clary’s Adopted Son is a fascinating account of the relationship between Washington who lacked a son and young Lafayette, who lacked a father. It was a warm, affectionate connection that was greatly satisfying to both men, one that significantly strengthened France’s commitment to America during our War of Independence. This fine study deserves a wide readership." —Don Higginbotham

“A riveting history of a tumultuous time in America and France…I loved this book.”—Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, author of American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country

"This is a remarkable book about two of the most remarkable men of the revolutionary era—indeed, of any era.  At long last we have the full story of how the Father of Our Country and his French `adopted son,’ the Marquis de Lafayette, joined hands across the Atlantic and on the battlefield, and together launched a new nation and a new age of democracy around the world."—Arthur Herman, author of How the Scots Invented the Modern World

“Personal friends and political allies, George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette had one of the most important friendships of the 18th century. In this enjoyable study, Clary…. [has] woven together grand military history with an intimate portrait of deep affection."—Publishers Weekly