Washington, the Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner is a nonfiction account of George Washington's life from his birth in 1732 until his death in 1799. Born of notable British lineage, Washington adopts the principles of American independence and becomes the leader of the Revolutionary Army and ultimately the first President of the United States. While most of the expected events and information are present, the book also sheds light on some of Washington's personal habits, loves, and feelings to provide a fuller picture of Washington the man and not just Washington the icon.

Not born into wealth, Washington learns early that hard work will be his way out of his situation. The hope of attending school in England is quashed with the death of his father when Washington, the oldest of five children from his father's second marriage, becomes the emotional crutch of a domineering mother. Washington manages to escape into rugged adventures in unexplored territories, where he gains military prowess and knowledge of primitive fighting. Washington soon becomes a surveyor and buys property in Virginia, securing some financial security for himself.

Washington dallies in first love with a flirtation with Sally Fairfax, the wife of a neighboring Englishman, but Washington ultimately marries Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow. Washington now has sufficient funds to purchase a major estate, Mount Vernon, and settles into the domestic life of a planter.

Duty calls when Washington is named head of the Continental Army to lead the new American states in the battle for independence against Great Britain. Although never fully convinced of his own capabilities, Washington's strategic mind and surprise tactics eventually win the war. Washington also wins the hearts of his soldiers because of his empathy for their conditions during bleak periods in the war. This admiration reaches across military lines to the general public and Washington is voted in as first President of the United States.

Constantly torn between duty to his country and his longing to work the lands of Mount Vernon, Washington never shirks responsibility in either area, although the years away from Mount Vernon take their toll on the estate. When returning home after eight years as President, Washington finds Mount Vernon in disrepair and his coffers in a sorry state. Plagued by setbacks that will take years to reverse; Washington begins the repairs and sells off some of his unsettled lands in the Ohio and Northwest Territories to keep the estate solvent.

This book presents a full view of George Washington as a son, husband, and stepfather as well as the Revolutionary War hero and national icon so typically portrayed in other books.