Union 1812 - by A J Langguth (Paperback)

About the Book

The author of the acclaimed "Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution" presents this dramatic account of the War of 1812, the war that established a young nation as a permanent power and proved its claim to Manifest Destiny. Maps.

Book Synopsis

By the author of the acclaimed Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution, a gripping narrative that tells the story of the second and final war of independence that secured the nation's independence from Europe and established its claim to the entire continent.

The War of 1812 has been ignored or misunderstood. Union 1812 thrillingly illustrates why it must take its place as one of the defining moments in American history.

Review Quotes

"Finely written...popular history at its most accessible, full of colorful anecdotes and pithy quotes...Practically brings the War of 1812 to life again...Besides being a good read, Union 1812 allows you to capture the second wave of our founders with a renewed sense of awe and surprise."-- "Douglas Brinkley, The Washington Post Book World"

"Never again after this masterly work will 1812 be a forgotten war. Langguth brilliantly restores the war to its rightful place in American history while at the same time giving us a rousing good story that holds our attention from beginning to end."--Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals

"This is the fascinating saga of a war that tested the nation's ability to set aside political differences and survive its inevitable second confrontation with a better-prepared foe eager to avenge earlier defeat. Langguth provides rich historical detail and unforgettable insights into the event and those who assumed leadership during this pivotal period in American history."-- "Larry Cox, Tucson Citizen"

"We are in Langguth's debt for this vivid retelling of the story of a war that still has everything to do with who we are and how we got this way. Langguth...paints human portraits with skill and grace. Union 1812 is a Plutarchan undertaking, with the larger story of politics and war told through the lives of presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Jackson, the Madisons, and less-known figures such as Zebulon Pike. The book has a lovely narrative pace...Reading Langguth, one is reminded anew of how relevant and resonant the past can be."-- "Jon Meacham, Los Angeles Times Book Review"

About the Author

A. J. Langguth (1933-2014) was the author of eight books of nonfiction and three novels. After Lincoln marks his fourth book in a series that began in 1988 with Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution. He served as a Saigon bureau chief for the New York Times, after covering the Civil Rights movement for the newspaper. Langguth taught for three decades at the University of Southern California and retired in 2003 as emeritus professor in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.