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1812 (The American Story) | 
 enlarge | Author: David Nevin
Publisher: Forge Books
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
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You Save: $6.98 (100%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  37 reviews
Sales Rank: 487819
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 576
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 3.8 x 1.3
ISBN: 0812524713
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780812524710
ASIN: 0812524713
Publication Date: July 15, 1997
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 32 more reviews...
Readable history for the average person November 3, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
"1812" by David Nevin is a rich historic fictional account of what some historians have called "the Second War for Independence". Neven uses broad strokes of his pen to create a readable, yet accurate depiction of life in the burgeoning United States of America.
Nevin concentrates the bulk of his work on President James and Dolley Madison, Andrew and Rachel Jackson, and Winfield Scott. All are expressly fleshed out and made somewhat more human by Nevin's fictional styling. The Madison's, in particular, are shown to be more common than regal, with many human foils and foibles. Andrew Jackson is portrayed (as he is in most history books) as a larger-than-life character who was a demanding military taskmaster for the first third of the 1800's. Scott, on the other hand, is given a more even treatment with copious views of both his military and social adventures.
The book is somewhat plodding in its first 200 pages and Nevin does take some liberties by creating completely fictional characters to the story, yet the book is still eminently readable. "1812" will be enjoyed by both the serious student and casual reader of American History. All readers will find out more about this sometime overlooked part of our nation's heritage, while being entertained in a fictional sense, as well.
The descriptions of the burning of the White House and the Battle of New Orleans, though found in the latter part of the book, are well worth the effort to get to. Nevin paints a great picture of both historic events and makes the reader feel as if he or she is right there during the event.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Good but with problems (A history teacher's review) December 7, 2007
If you do not already know something about the War of 1812, I cannot recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Why not? The author, David Nevin, goes into the story without much of an explanation of who the characters are and just assumes you know who they are. I would have recommended a small two to three page introduction that laid out the issues of the day and something about the personalities of the day as well.
Instead, we spend page after page getting these introductions as a part of the story. Along the way, Nevin introduces us to the innermost thoughts of such people as James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Winfield Scott and Dolley Madison. Nevin seems fascinated in exploring each of these characters as sexual beings. We get to read about James Madison's lusting for Dolley (he refers to her breasts so often that I blush when I see Madison in my history book).
However, the book is saved by his descriptions of the battles. They are very well done.
If you don't know your War of 1812, be sure to keep your computer handy so you can check the 'net to learn the background material to the things Nevin is referring to.
 1812 The American Story August 7, 2006
An excellent read. I found the book hard to put down. It also renewed some American History for me that I have long ago forgotten. It also gave me a greater appreciation and respect for the brave americans of that time.
Shaara-esque 1812 March 24, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In the genre of the Shaara's, 1812 gives an insightful look into a war usually skipped over in history classes. Good profiles of James Madison, Andrew Jackson, and a young Winfield Scott as individuals. A "must read" for history teachers and history lovers; recommended as extra reading for students high school and above.
 Historical or....romance January 18, 2006
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this book because I wanted to read something about the War of 1812. I thought it would be a good idea to start with a novel to ease myself into the subject, something on the lines of Jeff Shaara in his excellent books on the War of Independence or the Civil War.
I really did not want to read about important historical figures like President Madison or Andrew Jackson getting erections ! I kid you not, the first 70 pages or so contain this....needless information ! The book has good material when it comes to describing landscapes, battles and the nuances of fashion of the day ( which is actually quite good as the author puts the reader in the shoes of James Madison worrying about whether his trousers are old fashioned or not ! ). The problem is that we are drawn into situations which are reminiscent of a sweeping romantic novel that could be based at any period of time ie. beautiful buxum ladies and dashing gentlemen in uniform. If Shaara is your cup of tea leave this book well alone !
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