The Burning of the White House cover art

The Burning of the White House

James and Dolley Madison and the War of 1812

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The Burning of the White House

By: Jane Hampton Cook
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
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About this listen

Told from multiple points of view - including those of James and Dolley Madison and a British admiral - this is the true story of the burning of the White House in 1814.

It's unimaginable today, even for a generation that saw the Twin Towers fall and the Pentagon attacked. It's unimaginable because in 1814, enemies didn't fly overhead; they marched through the streets, and for 26 hours in August, the British enemy marched through Washington, DC, and set fire to government buildings, including the US Capitol and the White House.

Relying on firsthand accounts, historian Jane Hampton Cook weaves together several different narratives to create a vivid, multidimensional account of the burning of Washington, including the escalation that led to it and the immediate aftermath. From James and Dolley Madison to the British admiral who ordered the White House set aflame, historical figures are brought to life through their experiences of this unprecedented attack.

The Burning of the White House is the story of a city invaded, a presidential family displaced, a nation humbled, and an American spirit that somehow remained unbroken.

©2016 Jane Hampton Cook (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Americas Military Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State United States War of 1812 War

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What could have been an interesting book is a wasted opportunity. Seems to be written as a right wing propaganda piece. Such a pity.

The British commander is cast as the villain. There is much bizarre supposition about him smiling as people are killed. This kind of thing sits I'll at ease with the actual historical facts which are presented. Why lower what could be an excellent book with such blatant political bias?

In short the US forces are good and the British are bad.

Propaganda piece

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