A first-of-its-kind collection of letters, speeches, and other writings from the War of 1812 that provides a rich panorama of the conflicts that helped shape the future of the United States
On June 18, 1812, the United States formally declared war for the first time. President James Madison’s call to arms against Great Britain provoked outpourings of patriotic fervor and vigorous—some said treasonous—domestic opposition. Over the next three years the War of 1812 would prove as divisive as it was rich in nationalist myth-making: We have met the enemy, and he is ours . . . Don’t give up the ship! . . . Oh, say can you see . . . .
Here is the first comprehensive collection of eyewitness accounts in over a century of the conflict that shaped the future of a continent. Reflecting several generations of scholarly discoveries, it covers all the theaters of war, from frontier battles in Canada, Michigan, and New York to naval confrontations on the high seas and Great Lakes, from the burning of Washington to the defense of New Orleans. Here are 140 letters, memoirs, poems, songs, editorials, journal entries, and proclamations by more than 100 participants, both famous—Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Tecumseh, Dolley Madison, and the Duke of Wellington, among others—and less well known, such as Laura Secord, the Canadian Paul Revere, and William B. Northcutt, whose remarkable diary provides a common soldier’s view.
Features helpful notes, a chronology of the war, and full color endpaper maps.
LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.
- New Non-fiction eBooks
- Most popular
- New Fiction eBooks
- New York Times Bestsellers - Adult Fiction eBooks (Updated April 15th)
- New York Times Bestsellers - Adult Non-Fiction eBooks (Updated April 15th)
- New YA eBook
- See all
- New Non-fiction eAudiobooks
- Most popular
- New Fiction eAudiobooks
- New York Times Bestsellers - Adult Fiction Audiobooks (Updated April 15th)
- New York Times Bestsellers - Adult Non-Fiction Audiobooks (Updated April 15th)
- New YA eAudio
- See all
- Popular magazines
- Business & Finance Magazines
- Cooking, Food & Drink
- Craft Magazines
- Fashion Magazines
- Gaming
- Gardening and Landscape
- Kids Magazines
- Health and Fitness Magazines
- Hobbies
- House and Home
- Men's magazines
- Science & Technology Magazines
- See all