1812 (Bookcassette(r) Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone interested in the history of America.
Review: I passed this book 3-4 times before I decided to pick it up, and that was only because nothing else looked interesting. I have tried to read American history books, but they bored me. It was with some trepidation, then, that I started this book. I found, however, that once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. David Nevin took an obscure time in the history of America, and wrapped a fascinating story around it. Did you know that James Madison was a short man with a low self-esteem? or that andrew Jackson was hot-tempered but brilliant military tactician? Read about the burning of the White House, and how America turned the tide of the war by winning two major battles, one on Lake Champlain, and the other in New Orleans. This is one of my all time favorite books.It is written in a style that entertains and educates the reader. I learned more about the War of 1812 than I did in school. It should be manditory reading for all students taking American History. I do not usually read a book more than once, but I know this book will be read and reread.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down.
Review: I rank this book ALMOST as good as The Killer Angels, and right up there with Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure. Nevin did an excellent job of making a page-turner novel based on a segment of American history that I think most Americans don't know much about. I've lent the book out to friends who have also loved it.

Rating:
Summary: A History major's review of 1812
Review: I read this book last year and I loved it. 1812 is ofcourse
about the War of 1812 mostly from the point of view of James
Madison, Andrew Jackson and a young Winfield Scott. It talks
about battles such as Horseshoe Bend(Andrew Jackson's battle
with the Creek Indians), Plattsburgh(the battle between the
Americans and British for control of the Great Lakes), Lundy's
Lane(Winfield Scott's battle with the british near niagara falls)
and New Orleans(Andrew Jackson's famous battle where he defeated
the British weeks after the treaty Ghent had been signed ending
the war). It also talks about how Washington D.C. fell but spends more time on the events leading up to James and Dolly Madison fleeing the capitol. Although it comes up shallow on the
true views Andrew Jackson held about Native Americans and doesnt
go into the real motivations of the Indians uprising during that
war because it would make the the characters and the war look less heroic. Yet like Jeff Shaara's Civil War novels it is a quick and easy read that will entertain and inform you at the same time. Hopefully somebody in Hollywood will make this book
into a movie. P.S. My favorite part is when Dolly Madison dances
a jig on a British flag in front of Congress.

Rating:
Summary: A well-written historical novel
Review: I thought the book was well done. The author succeeded, for me at least, in making those long-ago people come alive. The descriptions of the battles were quite vivid, without being gory. I was left looking forward to more books by this author on other wars or events. All in all, a well-written historical novel.

Rating:
Summary: 1812
Review: I truly enjoy reading about the colonial period of our nation and had considered myself to be quite well versed on the subject. This book however presented some interesting, and new to me, insight into the condition and feeling in the nation these few short years after the revolution. Highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: 1812
Review: I truly enjoy reading about the colonial period of our nation and had considered myself to be quite well versed on the subject. This book however presented some interesting, and new to me, insight into the condition and feeling in the nation these few short years after the revolution. Highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: I was hesitant to buy a book that employed the description 'historical novel', feeling it would likely alter the real history of the period in order to achieve readability. In fact, the author has a splendid awareness of the history and of the times, and has obviously read and researched each character so extensively that they truly 'come alive' by virtue of the technique. While no one recorded the private conversations of James and Dolly Madison (et al), I felt the text was probably an excellent approximation of what their dialogue must have been. Many other characters of the period come alive and interact, and the entire feeling is one of great delight in having 'been there' to hear them speak. The period itself is nicely covered as well. This is a great lesiurely read and would be a wonderful way to read history for those who hate the textbook approach.

Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: I was hesitant to buy a book that employed the description 'historical novel', feeling it would likely alter the real history of the period in order to achieve readability. In fact, the author has a splendid awareness of the history and of the times, and has obviously read and researched each character so extensively that they truly 'come alive' by virtue of the technique. While no one recorded the private conversations of James and Dolly Madison (et al), I felt the text was probably an excellent approximation of what their dialogue must have been. Many other characters of the period come alive and interact, and the entire feeling is one of great delight in having 'been there' to hear them speak. The period itself is nicely covered as well. This is a great lesiurely read and would be a wonderful way to read history for those who hate the textbook approach.

Rating:
Summary: half history, half romantic tale of a little known war
Review: I was hoping for more historical details, but overall it was an entertaining look at the war that could have ended the U.S. experiment of democracy. The author has an annoying habit of telling all the preliminary details of individual battles, then abruptly skipping to something completely unrelated. There was absolutely nothing about Commodore Perry, which disappointed this reader. The book is at its best with bringing life the Jacksons, the Madisons, Gen. Scott and his love life, and the petty feuds among the many incompetent leaders of the time.

Rating:
Summary: Read this book!! You won't regret it.
Review: I'm just going to keep this short and sweet: 1812 is a fabulous book! I read it over a year ago and I still rave about it to anyone who will listen!! My brother and I bought it as part of a gift for our father but he never got it because neither of us could put it down. We read it so many times the jacket is ruined. Whether you're a history buff, just someone who likes to read, or someone who wants to be reminded why they should be proud to be an American, you won't regret picking up this book. It is so down to earth, so real, and so vibrant you can't help but be moved by arguably the most important yet little remembered war in America's history, and the people who believed in America enough to win it against all odds. Beautiful book.