Reviews (26)

Corporate puff piece
Published by the Disney Corporation, not exactly an objective source for a biography of Walt Disney. You'll learn more about the man just wandering his parks and watching his films than you will from this extended press release, which completely ignores key individuals and events that helped shape Uncle Walt. The photos aren't very interesting either -- pass on this one.

the world of disney
A very good overview of the life of the master that tells all the general reader needs to know of walt's life and work. Highly recommended, despite the occasional faux pas which does not detract from this informative work.

An Incredible Look at an American Legend
This is a must read on Disney's life. Detailed, yet fast paced, it details the classic American story of Disney's rise from nothing to the innovative genius he was. Always looking forward, and always on the edge of financial disaster, Walt and his brother never gave up. Is vision for parks was unique and is still unmatched. Anyone who has enjoyed his films and parks should read this account of Walt's life. As the leadership of Disney Co. changes, I hope all who work for Disney read this book to remind themselves of Disney's vision. It should be the Bible for all who work there. Even if you've never been a Disney fan, you will be after reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1901-1966    2. Animators    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Disney, Walt,    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Movie Directors    9. General    10. Historical - U.S.    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Biography: film, television & music    14. Films, cinema    15. Sport & leisure industries    16. USA   

Editorial Review

Dinesh D'Souza rates America's 40th president as one of its greatest, rightbelow Washington and Lincoln. He makes a forceful case for this rank, probably the best yet and perhaps thebest possible. In the process, he analyzes Reagan's leadership style with remarkable clarityand subtlety. Reagan seemed ordinary in so many ways, still, millions of people believed inhim and followed him. Moreover, he is the patron saint of the modern conservative movement--something that he did not create, yet nonetheless came to embody. Read more

Reviews (113)

Well written
I cannot say whether the author's descriptions are true, or not true. I can say that he writes well, tells the story intelligently, and that he backs his assertions with logical reasons, accompanied by quotes and footnotes. The author's fondness for Reagan doesn't prevent him from pointing out Reagan's faults. I disagree with the detractors of this book who would like to make the case that since the author is a conservative and Reagan was a conservative that this book must therefore be biased in favor of Reagan. It seems to me that the negative reviewers fail to evaluate the book on its merits. Instead, they seem to be motivated by their hatred of Ronald Reagan.

The straight forward facts
Mr. D'Souza has written the most honest assesment of the Reagan era to date. Not only does he recall the wounded national spirit of America during the late 70's through the election of 1980, but he also points the finger at himself as being one of the staffers that was in the forest and could not see the trees. But unlike some of President reagan's other staff members, he never tried to profit by taking easy shots at him, rather he took the time after the Reagan era to reflect, and analyze why so many positive things were accomplished between 1981 and 1991.
Over The Top
Three of Dinesh D'Souza's books occupy space on my shelf. I have been fascinated with this conservative's intelligence, his ability to state his hypotheses in clear terms, and organize his supporting facts with ease and facility. His writing style is matter-of-fact, passionate, but not shrill. He never debases himself by name-calling that is so characteristic of other conservative writers.
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Subjects:  1. 1981-1989    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Politics and government    9. Presidents    10. Presidents & Heads of State    11. Reagan, Ronald    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    14. Biography: general    15. Central government policies    16. USA   

Reviews (20)

The most important bio of the most important churchmen
As the first 19 reviews here have thoroughly described, this is the definitive bio of Augustine.(What Bainton once was for Luther).The 2nd edition is a whole new work.
Augustine of Hippo
This is a classic biography by a master in his field.It is heavy at times, but that reflects the complex person, Augustine, as much as, or more than, the biographer's ability to portray him.The new added chapters, reviewing the more recent discoveries of letters and sermons, and relating how they changed the author's previous judgments of Augustine, are especially excellent.

From Manichees to Donatists, the World of Augustine
I read the old version, which was fine. Augustine spanned the gap between the classic world and the emerging world of the middle ages.He started life as a Manichee and flirted with neo-platonism before settling down to life as the bishop of Hippo in Roman Africa.His was a very "Roman African" kind of career (a phrase which meant nothing to me before this book).Roman African Christianity was a "purer" form that was less influenced by decadent Roman/Italian ways.In fact, the main schism of Augustine's time, the Donatists, had split from the Catholic church over the issue of Christian collaboration with Roman pagan authorites.
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Subjects:  1. Augustine,    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Historical - General    5. History: World    6. Religious    7. Saint, Bishop of Hippo    8. BCE to c 500 CE    9. Biography: historical    10. Christian spiritual & Church leaders    11. History / Ancient / General    12. North Africa   

Editorial Review

This isn't Cynthia Lennon's first book about her legendary ex-husband. Read more

Reviews (101)

Should be called 'Cynthia' by Cynthia Lennon.
As my title says, this book is about Cynthia, with John mention barely as many times as Paul McCartney. If You are looking for a great JOhn Lennon book, keep looking.

Quick Read
I remember reading a John Lennon interview where it seemed he was trying to justify his treatment of his first son by saying that Sean, his second son and a planned child, was more his son than Julian. I was a bit shocked at what he was saying in that interview and if you believe Cynthia and Julian-and I do-you have to wonder about John. He had some flawed thinking which caused him to abandon every meaningful and productive relationship in his life to be with Yoko Ono.You certainly could argue that his relationship with Paul was productive.And that Cynthia and Julian, his first family, were with him when he was the great John Lennon.With Yoko, he decended into mediocrity and what I'm assuming was chronic drug addiction.John being in the advanced stages of drug addiction was strongly suggested shortly after his murder in another article I read at the time and have not seen since.In that article, it was reported that the emergency room staff that received John after he was shot were shocked at his general physical state.
Sensitive, honest, wonderful read
I am not a huge Beatles fan, however, I love Julian Lennon and the history of the Beatles. How dare Julian attempt music and actually be a better writer than his father! He is. Listen to Photograph Smile. It's an absolute masterpiece and he is amazing. This book, from an original Beatles wife, is a very honest depiction of the early days of John, his life and his family, his history. It takes you through her personal journey of fun, frivolity, pain and disdain, fortunes and poverty with one of the world's most reknown rockers. I wanted to read her story because she and Julian were totally pushed aside by John, his followers and the media. Frankly, I was sick of always hearing that Yoko was the love of his life and "Cyn" was nothing more than his first wife. I detested that he left his first family, leaving them with little money all the while the media would look at her as a golddigger whenever she embarked on something new. That market is cornered by Yoko. Cynthia's story is so tender, so honest and does not criticize Yoko, not like you would think. If anyone has a right to be bitter, it's Cynthia. But she's not bitter. I have high praise for anyone who survived what she has and I appreciate her courage to finally tell her side of the story. A story that has been too long silent. A story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and you will, too. =^^= ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1940-1980    2. Beatles    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Composers & Musicians - Rock    8. England    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Lennon, John,    11. Rock Music    12. Rock musicians    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

Building on biographies by Read more

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (182)

Excellent Book for Leaders and Executives
Most people recognize Alexander Hamilton from his name and face on the ten dollar bill. Rarely do people know the story of the poor orphan who rose from poverty on the island of Nevis to become a patriot, a self-made genius, a lawyer, a war hero, the first Treasury Secretary, or even the man responsible for envisioning and creating the industrial superpower that the United States is today.
180 people have already said this book rocks...
I am #181.This biography blew me away.Athough the duel and outcome were not a surprise to say the least (I live in Weehawken, for one), I found myself crying my eyes out for Hamilton in the end.Add a half a star to the 5 if you've been a New Yorker -- because your enjoyment will be that much greater.
Washington's indispensable man
I have enjoyed reading many outstanding biographies, but none have surpassed Chernow's "Alexander Hamilton".This "tour de force" is an enthralling read not only because of its fascinating subject in Hamilton and his inseparable relationship to the founding of our nation, but because it is a meticulously researched and wonderfully told story of perseverance, achievement, and irony.Of illegitimate birth, surviving a wretched youth in the West Indies during the 18th century, Hamilton escaped to New York through the generosity of early employers and a cousin to study at King's College.His superior intellect, obsession to distance himself from his past, and his energy and passion to distinguish himself honorably in his adopted land placed him at the right hand of General and then President Washington during the American Revolution, the founding of the Constitution, and the formation of a fragile new government.Yet he was labeled an elitist, aristocrat and a monarchist by his enemies with bewildering regularity and effect.He was a loving and tender husband and father, yet stumbled into at least one adulterous relationship that greatly crippled his political career.Although he never traveled to Europe he possessed a truer sense of European events and their implications, particularly the French Revolution, than did his more traveled and worldly contemporaries.He was long embroiled in partisan political battles with his antagonists from the Southern States, yet he was the Union's foremost defender when the prospect of Northern succession arose.He came to abhor the practice of dueling, yet he and his oldest son were both victims of its pervasive practice within a three year period.Finally, Eliza Hamilton, despite endless persecution regarding her husband's infidelity and other failings (either real or trumped up) from his political rivals and their vicious press allies remained resolutely and adoringly at his side.She tirelessly devoted 50 years of widowhood to preserving and promoting her husband's indispensable contributions to the formation of a great nation.It is largely due to her efforts that the slanderous and revisionist accounts of Hamilton's life by his contemporary rivals including Jefferson and Adams who greatly outlived him were effectivly challenged.Chernow has also made a significant contribution with this biography in preserving the memory and monumental accomplishments of this often neglected founding father. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audiobooks    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - General    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Statesmen    9. U.S. History - Constitutional Period To Civil War (1789-1860)    10. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    11. United States    12. United States - 18th Century    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Editorial Review

As commander of the Continental army, George Washington united the American colonies, defeated the British army, and became the world's most famous man. But how much doAmericans really know about their first president? Today, as Pulitzer Prize-winner Joseph J. Ellis says in this crackling biography, Americans see their first president on dollar bills, quarters, and Mount Rushmore, but only as "an icon--distant, cold, intimidating." In truth, Washington was a deeply emotional man, but one who prized and practiced self-control (an attribute reinforced during his years on the battlefield).Read more

Reviews (149)

Get Ready to Dig In...
Joseph Ellis is not for the faint of heart.He writes about washington like a man who has read EVERYTHING washington wrote.That's becuase he read everything Washington wrote...and was written about what he said.Therefore, one must be prepared to display more than a passing interest in Washington to get through this book.Having said that, getting through it is a worthwhile endeavor.In my learning life, I am now officially done with Washington.This book gives a more complete insight into his life as any other I have read.

Monumental
They were giants. Franklin, Paine, Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Adams, and Monroe. Names synonymous with greatness. But if they were the rock stars of their time, George Washington was Elvis, Mick and the Beatles rolled into one. Standing six feet three inches, athletically built, well bred and handsome, he could have come direct from central casting. But, while he never lost site of the benefits of form, this was truly a man of action. When others fretted about French/Indian incursions in the Ohio territories, farmer Washington took up arms and became Colonel Washington, the citizen warrior. When the British moved to occupy Massachusetts, he again left his beloved Mt. Vernon to lead men into battle. Lead here is the operative word. Through the discerning eyes of Joseph Ellis, a historian who can also write, we glimpse the human inside the monument. A reluctant warrior, Washington is more wily Fabius thanbold Caesar, more Eisenhower strategist and less straight-ahead Patton. But, if Allied Commander Ike had his hands full with Patton, Monty and DeGaulle, imagine controlling uber-egos like Hamilton, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson and Madison. Even during their most virulent political battles, Jefferson, Adams and the rest knew His Excellency General Washington was the headman. Yet, the capstone of his greatness came not when the general ascended to His Excellency Emperor Washington but when he became simply Mr. President.

Washington from a distance
I liked the very readable style the book is written in. It doesn't get bogged down on minute details but gives the readers an overall picture of Washington, with a heavy focus on his political life.
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Subjects:  1. 1732-1799    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Generals    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    11. U.S. President    12. United States    13. United States - 18th Century    14. United States - Colonial Period    15. United States - Revolutionary War    16. Washington, George,    17. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents   

Reviews (10)

A dated interpretation!
As a disciple of Freud, Zweig was fascinated with the new psychoanalysis and applying it to historical characters. I think he overdoes it in his biography of Marie Antoinette, attributing her love of clothes, gambling, and partying to supressed desires rather than youthful vivacity, since she was a teenager, married at fourteen. This is a book that has outlived its time. Unfortunately, Zweig's Freudian interpretation has been imitated by other biographers and gives a false view of Marie Antoinette even to this day.

Was She Average?
I think the title should read, "The Portrait of an Average Woman's Behavior".I think one would find it hard to accept that Ms. Antointte was anything but an average woman of her time.Yes, it is true that her behavior was typical of an average woman, but she was raised to become a queen, not your average woman.Finding true love with a warm, romantic, and compassionate man in comparison to her husband Louis XVI and the manner in which she handled the affair are truly average. Her thoughts and behavior as the momentum of the French Revolution accelerated are those of an average woman.Aside from the misnomer, I truly enjoyed the information and the manner in which Mr. Zweig presented it to the reader.Mr. Zweig exposed Ms. Antoniette to the reader as if he had known her personally.After reading this biography I now feel that beneath all the hair pieces and hats, she behaved as any woman would have done in her situation.

Stands the test of time very well.
Dating from 1933 in its first edition, this book is part biography and part psychological analysis of the great Austrian Empress Maria Theresa's daughter who died a hated Queen of France. While both its writing style and its ideas - particularly its author's assumptions about the fundamental nature of womanhood - may seem quaint to the 21st Century reader, it's still very well worth reading. Zweig refuses to rely upon a number of commonly used sources that he has reason to consider suspect, and he approaches his subject with genuine interest that's refreshingly uncontaminated by awe. The Archduchess Antoinette, the Dauphiness of France, the giddy young Queen to Louis XVI, the maturing mother of the Dauphin who would have become Louis XVII - Zweig captures them all, and then takes us with him through this woman's terrible final transformation into the prematurely white-haired "Widow Capet" who mounts the scaffold. He writes her life with frankness that's remarkable, truly, considering the era in which his work was originally published. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. France    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. Louis XVI, 1774-1793    10. Marie Antoinette,    11. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, K    12. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    13. Queens    14. Royalty    15. Women    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical    17. Marie Antoinette   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

MLK "A Knock at Midnight" Sermon Series Review...
The sermon series is awesome!!!Each sermon has an introduction that gives the listener valuable tidbits about the sermon.You can feel the effect of MLK's powerful oration abilities.All of the sermons are still relevant today and anyone who has a pulse can benefit from listening to the set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American authors    2. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    3. Audiobooks    4. Baptists    5. Black Theology    6. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    7. General    8. Inspirational - General    9. Religion    10. Sermons    11. Sermons - Christian    12. Sermons - General    13. Sermons, American    14. Social Science    15. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    16. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    17. Biography & Autobiography / General    18. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    19. USA   

Editorial Review

This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children's book ever written about one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, Abraham Lincoln. Russell Freedman covers Lincoln's life and career in a balanced treatment that is enhanced by period photographs and drawings.The book won the Newbery Medal, the Jefferson Cup Award and the Golden Kite Honor Book Award, and earned a citation as Read more

Reviews (16)

Great history book and great biography book
This medium-sized illustrated book on the life of Abraham Lincoln covers the private and public life of one of America's greatest presidents.The book gives good balance to the different stages of Lincoln's life; including his youth, childhood education, teenage years, early days as a country lawyer, entrance into local politics, his marriage, and finally his rise to the presidency and his death.The book does not concentrate on the Civil War, but instead gives a full picture of the man, including his personal traits such as love of storytelling, good humor, and ability to win over people given enough time.Overall, a great book for students in middle school or early high school.

A Review of Lincoln a Photobiography
This book is all about Abraham Lincoln from living in the backwoods to the Presidency and the assassination. Before Lincoln became President he was a lawyer and a State and U.S. Congressman. He married Mary Ann Todd and they had four boys.He was a member of the Whig Party until 1856 when he switched to the Repuplican Party. He was elected President in 1860 and ledthe Union to victory over the Confederates in the Civil War.He was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14,1856. He was watching the play My American Cousin at Ford's theater. The next day he died in a boarding house across the street.I give this book five stars because it was an awesome book. I learned a lot about Lincoln and life in the 1800's. Russell Freedman packed the book with a bunch of interesting facts that kept me reading.It wasn't just about Lincoln.It was also about the Civil War and political issues. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about history, Presidents and likes to read biographies.
Great history book for preteens and teens
I bought this book for my son's 11th birthday. He's always been interested in President Lincoln because they have the same birthday (albeit different years!). This book was the last present he opened - after the gameboy, the new game, and several other books. The gameboy went on the table and the book came out. He read for nearly an hour, occasionally stopping to fill me in on tidbits from the book. The book is very interesting reading, even for adults, and is written in such a way to capture the reader's interest from the beginning. I would highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1809-1865    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - General    4. Biography & Autobiography - U.S. Presidents & First Ladies    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Lincoln, Abraham,    11. President U.S    12. Presidents    13. United States    14. Biography: general    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Lincoln, Abraham    17. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    18. USA   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    6. Rich & Famous    7. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    8. Biography & Autobiography/Rich & Famous   

Reviews (9)

The Foundations of Fascism
I have given the Nietzsche series by Heidegger 5-stars because of its absolutely central historical position in the philosophical development of fascism.
Nietzsche Becomes a Heideggerian, too!
I hate to appear cynical, but in this book, isn't Heidegger doing what he has done with every other facet of Western philosophy - namely, making it a prelude to himself?
Mesmerizing and Meditative; The Mind of Heidegger
.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1844-1900    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. General    4. History & Surveys - 19th Century    5. History & Surveys - Modern    6. Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm    7. Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm,    8. Philosophy    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present   

Subjects:  1. 1879-1955    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - General    4. Biography & Autobiography - Science & Technology    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Einstein, Albert,    8. Juvenile Easy Readers    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Physicists    12. Science & Nature - Physics    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (76)

It's easy to think like a billion-aire ... if you are one.
I did pick up a couple of tib-bits and a few interesting facts from this book. You too will learn a lot about "The Donald" and how a billion-aire thinks, and when you're a billion-aire you can think like one. Don't expect to become a billion-aire by reading this book, but if you're really lucky you might become a hundred-aire.

Not very interesting.I was expecting more from Mr. Trump
The book is way to shallow and doesnt offer any depth of advice for how to think like a billionaire.Its really a poor product that I would suggest not purchasing.

AGreat Gameplan!
Mr. Trump delivers, once again! He makes complex subjects simple and easy to follow.All who are looking for a blueprint to success should follow his gameplan.
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Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Business    4. Business & Economics    5. Business/Economics    6. General    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Real Estate - General    9. Real estate developers    10. Success    11. Success in business    12. Trump, Donald,    13. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (4)

The best
This book was written by one of the greatest writers America has produced. How could anybody not give this book 5 stars.

Like Solomon
I thought this book was much more than a humorous or adventerous account.I am reminded of the book of Solomon and the wise adages endowed by God therein.Bejamin Franklin's memoirs cover an array of wise maxims that all men should learn.Franklin especially concentrates his philosophy in the way of frugality and financial responsibility.Too many young men waste their lives in ignorance.If more men sought out wisdom, the world would be a better place.

Dedicated to Mr. Jones
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was a comical adventure through a life that expresses the ways of an ideal American. Franklin was a husband, friend, printer, inventor, scientist, writer, educator, diplomat, and a politician. Franklin's style of writing was cheerfully humorous (how his friend sucked at writing poems was my personal favorite part) and was made even better by the fact that he was able to laugh at himself. I enjoyed his take on the public's opinion of his papers on his experiments with electricity. He did not get defensive because of his cool, confident personality. I loved the part about the other scientist, Abb� Nollet, who 'could not at first believe that such a work came from America, and said it must have been fabricated by his enemies at Paris, to decry his system.' Overall the book was entertaining and a classic story, but I do not think that I would call it a favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1706-1790    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Franklin, Benjamin,    7. General    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Political    10. Scientists - Inventors    11. Statesmen    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (5)

A better title than book
The idea conveyed by the title is wonderful, and to some degree the notion is realized.Unfortunately, it doesn't really fly.While there still may be merit in study of Einstein's educational comments to children, this volume doesn't offer much insight.
Great book ABOUT Einstein, not by him.
This book has very little actually written by Einstein himself. It gives a brief biography and background of Einstein. The letters are from children and show the enormity of his fanbase in the 1940's and 50's.The biography is informative and there are plenty of interesting pictures.The letters are interesting, but toward the end, they seem repetitive.Still, it is a great book worth buying.Barnes and noble has a cheaper edition, which makes it well worth the 6 dollars!

Misleading Title
I had been looking forward to this book's release for some time.As yet another self-confessed Einstein fan, the idea of a collection of correspondences between the greatest scientific mind in the history of human endeavour, and curious children from around the world, was irresistable.So, when I finally got my hands on it, I wanted to enjoy it very much.However, in the end, I felt a bit cheated and misled.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1879-1955    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Children    4. Correspondence    5. Einstein, Albert,    6. Essays    7. Letters    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Physicists    11. Scientists - General    12. Biography: general    13. Literary studies: general    14. Literature: Texts    15. PHYSICS    16. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (5)

Enough to prove the short-sightedness of human hope and human prudence
The War of 1812 is one of the American conflicts that is less well known to the general public.Beyond the White House being burned, the composition of "The Star Spangled Banner" as the British assaulted Fort McHenry at Baltimore, and some vague notions of the Battle of New Orleans (and that from the pop song from 1959 by Jimmy Driftwood and sung by Johnny Horton), it doesn't hold much of a place in our already too weak sense of our own history.