The war of 1812 would either make America a global power sweeping all the way to the Pacific--or break it into small pieces bound to mighty England. It was a second revolution of sorts to prove to the British that America had to be taken seriously. The principal actors in this drama were James and Dolley Madison, and Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Their courage and determination would shape America's destiny.

From Kirkus Reviews
A star-spangled banner of a follow-up to the historian- author's Dream West (1984) brings to vivid life a turning-point in American history. In a resonant narrative limning the sectionalism and discontents that threatened the young republic barely three decades after the revolution that created it, Nevin focuses on three central figures: President James Madison (sustained in crucial ways by his beloved Dolley); General Andrew Jackson (gentled as well as cherished by his Rachel); and Winfield Scott (a precocious military talent whose strong opinions bring him into frequent conflict with his colleagues). When events draw a deeply divided America into war with England, the wispy chief executive shows himself to be a principled man of strong convictions as he battles not only British armed forces but also recalcitrant New Englanders (whose lucrative trade with the erstwhile mother country has been disrupted), and states' rights frontiersmen like Jackson who distrust Madison's vision of the federal union's future. With emotional assistance from Dolley, the President manages to keep the ship of state on an even keel during a series of early setbacks in the War of 1812; concurrently, Scott learns the close-combat lessons that will lead to later victories along the Canadian border, and the volatile Jackson raises an army of irregulars who, defying the odds, mount successful campaigns in southern woodlands against Indian bands backed by the British. Before the tide turns, however, vengeful redcoats sack Washington, D.C., and raze the White House, forcing Madison and his government to flee. Bloodied but unbowed, the president rallies the nation, and Jackson stages an epic defense of New Orleans against British invaders at the start of 1815. A war- weary England agrees to peace, allowing a now-united America to pursue its manifest destiny in the West. A brilliantly realized chronicle that gives a human scale to the author's panoramic canvas. A considerable achievement and one that transcends genre. ($150,000 ad/promo; author tour) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
"1812 is splendidly researched and finely written--a fiery tale of our country's youth, of mighty passions, a half-for-gotten war, and incomparable men and women. David Nevin's readers are blessed" -Ralph Peters, author of Red Army

"A rich, robust historical novel of the kind we don't get often enough. Famous men and women spring vividly to life--action abounds--1812 is a great read" - John Jakes

"It was a perilous and pivotal time for the young and not-entirely-United States, but it has been the most unremembered time in American history. Until now. The faded old etchings of battle on land and sea, of statesmen, heroes, villains (and their ladyloves), are now, in David Nevin's 1812, brought to vivid life and color, tumultuous intensity, and you-are there immediacy." -Gary Jennings, New York Times bestselling author of Aztec

"Whatever we have gained by technology we have lost by ease. These people who lived in 1812 faced danger, adventure, and--no income tax! Read on." -Rita Mae Brown, author of Dolley
--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Book Description
The war of 1812 would either make America a global power sweeping all the way to the Pacific--or break it into small pieces bound to mighty England. It was a second revolution of sorts to prove to the British that America had to be taken seriously. The principal actors in this drama were James and Dolley Madison, and Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Their courage and determination would shape America's destiny. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover
"1812 is splendidly researched and finely written--a fiery tale of our country's youth, of mighty passions, a half-for-gotten war, and incomparable men and women. David Nevin's readers are blessed" -Ralph Peters, author of Red Army

"A rich, robust historical novel of the kind we don't get often enough. Famous men and women spring vividly to life--action abounds--1812 is a great read" - John Jakes

The war of 1812 would either make America a global power sweeping all the way to the Pacific--or break it into small pieces bound to mighty England. It was a second revolution of sorts to prove to the British that America had to be taken seriously. The principal actors in this drama were James and Dolley Madison, and Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Their courage and determination would shape America's destiny.

"It was a perilous and pivotal time for the young and not-entirely-United States, but it has been the most unremembered time in American history. Until now. The faded old etchings of battle on land and sea, of statesmen, heroes, villains (and their ladyloves), are now, in David Nevin's 1812, brought to vivid life and color, tumultuous intensity, and you-are there immediacy." -Gary Jennings, New York Times bestselling author of Aztec

"Whatever we have gained by technology we have lost by ease. These people who lived in 1812 faced danger, adventure, and--no income tax! Read on." -Rita Mae Brown, author of Dolley