This dramatic account of the War of 1812 fills a surprising gap in the popular literature of the nation's formative years. It is this second and final war of independence that established the young nation as a permanent power. Full of fascinating characters, A. J. Langguth's riveting account covers a vast panorama of battles, from the American sacking of Toronto and the British burning of the White House and the Capitol, to the thrilling war at sea and on the Great Lakes and the final spectacular American victory at New Orleans.