Product Information
In August 1814 the United States' army is defeated in battle by an invading force just outside Washington DC. The US president and his wife have just enough time to pack their belongings and escape from the White House before the enemy enters. The invaders tuck into the dinner they find still sitting on the dining-room table and then set fire to the place. 9/11 was not the first time the heartland of the United States was struck a devastating blow by outsiders. Two centuries earlier, Britain - now America's close friend, then its most bitter enemy - set Washington ablaze before turning its sights to Baltimore. In his compelling narrative style, Peter Snow recounts the fast-changing fortunes of both sides of this extraordinary confrontation, the outcome of which inspired the writing of the 'Star-Spangled Banner', America's national anthem. Using a wealth of material including eyewitness accounts, he also describes the colourful personalities on both sides of these spectacular events: Britain's fiery Admiral Cockburn, the cautious but immensely popular army commander Robert Ross, and sharp-eyed diarists James Scott and George Gleig. On the American side: beleaguered President James Madison, whose young nation is fighting the world's foremost military power, his wife Dolley, a model of courage and determination, military heroes such as Joshua Barney and Sam Smith, and flawed incompetents like Army Chief William Winder and War Secretary John Armstrong.Product Identifiers
PublisherJohn Murray Press
ISBN-139781848546110
eBay Product ID (ePID)169957831
Product Key Features
Book TitleWhen Britain Burned the White House: the 1814 Invasion of Washington
AuthorPeter Snow
FormatHardcover
LanguageEnglish
TopicHistory
Publication Year2013
TypeTextbook
Number of Pages320 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height239mm
Item Width161mm
Additional Product Features
Title_AuthorPeter Snow
Country/Region of ManufactureUnited Kingdom