1812

By: David Nevin

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 20 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

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 players in this drama were James and Dolley Madison and Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Their courage and determination would shape America's destiny.

©1996 David Nevin (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Crammed with color and captivating characters." (Publishers Weekly)

Great insight into the War of 1812

This is a very good book. The details were informative and the story was captivating. I have just finished the biography of Andrew Jackson and found the details in this book on the war and the Burr incident more informative. The accounts from the battlefield gave a good visual of the stategic and carnage in the battles. If you want to know about the War of 1812, the leaders and the heroes, buy this book.

What a thrill!

Would you listen to 1812 again? Why?

yes, because of the history, the drama, the love of characters

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1812?

Jackson facing the solders who wanted to leave. Rachel talking to Jackson about controlling his anger.

Which character – as performed by Geoffrey Howard – was your favorite?

They were all good. Andrew Jackson

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

don't know

Any additional comments?

I was sad when it ended. Wonderful combination of history, drama, suspense (even tho I knew the outcome) and the human spirit.

The America we should know.

Book centers on the lives of Andrew Jackson and Winfield Scott. Worth listening to.

Excellent History in Narrative Form

In the tradition of Jeff Shara this narrative clutches on the key figures of the forgotten War of 1812 and presents the story in an entertaining manner. Through the figures of Winfield Scott, Andrew Jackson and James Madison help describe the events that occurred during this war. It is this conflict more than any other that made the United States a political power in world politics and through an entertaining narrative the story is told.

I find it fascinating

I agree with some previous reviewers that the book could do with less Danielle Steele-type scenes, but I found the battle scenes, and the tactics, riveting. There are a lot of leadership lessons in the actions of the generals and the politicians that open up a period in American history that had never really been taught in depth in any course I took. I do look forward to reading more books on the period, to better understand the underlying trade and political issues - this might not have been the best book to start a study of American history 1810-1820. But I am very glad to have read it.

Excellent Historical Fiction

Nevin paints a enlightening picture of the politics and battles of the time that help me put events of today in better context--to think the U.S. was that close to dissolution! He takes great license in giving well-known historical characters distinctive personalities that entertain while at the same time providing a great history lesson. I finished this book feeling like I really knew 'Little Jimmy Madison', Ol' Hickory Andrew Jackson, and the ambitious soldier that was Winfield Scott.

good book - lots of military detail

great book, lots of detail and intrigue from the early american history. A little too much detail on the fights.

Easy & enjoyable but less content than I had hoped

This book is certainly an easy and enjoyable listen. The reader is excellent. However, the book bares a striking resemblence to a historical romance novel - "heaving bosoms" and "swelled loins" while discussing Andrew Jackson & James Madison. Less romance and more historical content would have made this a more satisfying book. After 20 hours, I thought I would have learned more about the book's subject matter.

good, but no Shaara

For a lover of historical fiction, I really looked forward to this novel. Overall it was good, but disappointing. The author was too fixated on the sex lives of the characters, all of whom had no depth in their relationships other than physical attraction. It is a worthwhile listen, but keep your expectations down.

Brings history to life

I had attempted to read this book some time ago and was unable to get through it. This audio allowed me to finish the book. The novel is based upon historical facts and brings the era to life.