The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III by Andrew RobertsMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
There were plenty of interesting points, such as how taxes had very little to do with the revolution, and much of the unrest was to benefit the American bootleggers who wished to retain control.
Also the fact that "Freedom" and "Liberty" were the cries of the revolution, while the United States then ended up keeping the slave trade for another century, while King George had abolished it.
Still, when the author sings the King's praises merely because he complimented George Washington, it starts being a bit much.
I understand King George is basically only known for having lost the United States and for being the "Mad King", and in fact in the US he is known for being an evil tyrant. So this biography added more nuance and background to this man.
However, the entire point of this book seems to counter every single criticism laid out against King George. So much so that it reads like a hagiography. I don't think the author found one fault with the king.
I recognize that when you spend this time researching a person you find reasons behind all of their actions, but that is why a discerning eye is needed, which I don't think this author had.
The book starts and ends with a discussion on the musical Hamilton and its portrayal of King George. One gets the impression that the author decided to write this book merely as a rebuttal.
2.5 stars
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