“The Two Georges,” a Companion Book to the new Library of Congress Exhibition, Explores Lives of George Washington and King George III
Exhibition Draws from Collections of Library of Congress, Royal Archives, Royal Collection, the Science Museum Group, and More
“The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution” is the first book to simultaneously explore in depth the lives and contributions of two globally significant figures of the late 18th century: George III (1738–1820), king of Great Britain, and George Washington (1732–1799), first president of the United States. Serving as the
official companion publication to the new Library of Congress exhibition, the book examines two men who surprisingly had much in common despite facing off in war.
In considering these men, “The Two Georges” compares and contrasts their experiences in youth, as family men, as men of the Enlightenment, as adversaries in war, as king and president, and as figures of national myth and memory. Short essays from scholars open each chapter and examine the commonalities and differences between the two Georges as well as the forces and circumstances that informed their lives and leadership.
Complementing these essays are features on specific areas of overlap and contrast, such as their military backgrounds, love of science, agriculture, books, and even their food preferences; new short biographies of their parents, wives, and extended families; and a variety of historic documents, maps, prints, and artwork in the Library of Congress’ collections and from around the world. These supplemental pieces underscore the myriad changes the two Georges participated in and witnessed during an age of revolution.
“The Two Georges” is published by the Library of Congress and distributed by the University of North Carolina Press and will be available by April 1. It will be available in hardcover ($49.95) and paperback ($24.95) in bookstores, online, and the Library of Congress Shop.
About the Editors
Susan Reyburn is a writer-editor in the Publishing Office at the Library of Congress. She is the author of “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words” (2020), “Football Nation: Four Hundred Years of America’s Game” (2014), “Women Who Dare: Amelia Earhart” (2006), and a coauthor of “American Feast: Cookbooks and Cocktails from the Library of Congress” (2023), “Baseball Americana: Treasures from the Library of Congress” (2009), “The Library of Congress World War II Companion” (2007), and “The Library of Congress Civil War Desk Reference” (2002).
Zach Klitzman is a writer-editor in the Publishing Office at the Library of Congress. He is the coauthor of “American Feast: Cookbooks and Cocktails from the Library of Congress” (2023), an editor of the Library of Congress Crime Classics book series, and a former “Jeopardy!” champion.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
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Media Contacts: Brett Zongker, Library of Congress, bzongker@loc.gov | Peter Perez, University of North Carolina Press, peter.perez@uncpress.org
PR 25-021
03/25/2025
ISSN 0731-3527