Anthony Pitch has written a memorable account of a seminal event in American history. His portrayal of the British burning of our nation's capitol is an exciting, fast-paced description of events which catch and hold the reader's attention from the first to last page. Pitch's suspenseful story captures the essence of what is best in historical nonfiction - the ability to depict events in an accurate and yet dramatic style, painting word pictures in a crisp, authoritative fashion which entrances the reader. This book is a must for the library of every history buff, and for that matter, for every civic-minded citizen. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be made into an intriguing motion picture.

Based on countless personal stories that Anthony Pitch uncovered in his extensive research, this book reads almost like a novel. It races along through familiar territory; marches through the Maryland countryside, incursions on Capitol Hill and the President's House, Baltimore and Fort McHenry. By focusing on eye witness accounts and the lives of private and public figures (both British and American) and their roles in the handful of days of the Washington campaign, the narrative has an intimacy and immediacy that involves the reader, placing him or her in the midst of the historic seige. There are heroes and scoundrels on both sides. It's a fascinating read and a wonderful way to absorb history.

This fast-paced, incredibly well-researched book changed my view of American history. I never appreciated that the War of 1812 was, in fact, our second war of independence, one which we came close to losing. I never knew that the terrified U.S. government, in fleeing Washington, allowed the British Army to literally amble into town virtually unopposed and burn most of the government buildings (yet treat the populace with unimagined civility!). I never knew much about the inspiration and writing of the Star Spangled Banner and the importance of the Battle of Baltimore. And I was fascinated to learn that the Battle of New Orleans, in addition to being one of the worst defeats ever suffered by the mighty British Army (mostly at the hands of Andrew Jackson and a bunch of Kentucky and Tennessee hillbillys, no less), was a battle that never should have been fought. I have generally found history books to be ponderous reading, written more for the benefit of academic historians than for popular consumption -- often only giving me added details about things I already knew about. This book is different. It's crisp, fast-moving and very authoritative. Anthony Pitch has written a focused and important book about a pivotal period of American History about which most Americans, I suspect, know little. And after you read it, when you sing "The Star Spangled Banner", you'll appreciate with greater depth, possibly for the first time, what you're singing about. I loved the book!

I liked this book because I am interested in civil rights and like rage against the machine. Basically it gives graphic details about previous civil resistance>>>The native american stand off at wounded knee & it also gives info on what you can do to resist the hands of international law.

Most citizens are clueless to the importance of Law to the success of the Civil Resistance and Civil Rights Movements. The First Amendment right to protest is, of course, the foundation for nonviolent civil resistance. It was used with great skill by Martin Luther King and by Father Philip Berrigan, too, and many others dissenters from government policies over the years. Professor Boyle drives home that point, along with the relevance of International Law to defending defendants in such controversial criminal cases. I also found his trial material on issues concerning nuclear deterrence, nuclear weapons, and Central America, both informative and enlightening. This book should be in the library of every activist, journalist, author, student, and lawyer that cares about the right of dissent in this country.

....From Pasta that is! This is a great cookbook from quite a scamp of a chef, Francis Anthony. I have seen him on a morning show several times & decided to get his book. There are over 200 recipes ranging from plain pasta (how can pasta ever be plain?) to more inricate dishes using veal and freshly made linguine.

Our family appreciates the kid section. Fun meatballs and ideas that'll make 'em manga~manga-manga. The Love Chefs approach is simple, direct, easy to follow and sometimes humorous. I like the bright red cover--a real standout of sinfully good eating.

The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald is definitely one of the better novels I have ever read. The emphasis on the era of the 20's gives the novel an unique and interesting spin. Fitzgerald makes every single character come to life, and allows the reader to understand their thoughts and emotions. The reader sympathizes with Gatsby who is obsessed with the past and is constantly living his life through his dreams. Fitzgerald displays the perfection of Daisy and as the novel develops it is evident that Gatsby will never get his ideal woman, Daisy Buchanan. In this novel Fitzgerald works several different angles which captivate the reader.

The Great Gatsby is one of the best novels I have ever read. The story centers on Jay Gatsby, a millionaire, whose past is a mystery, but with his tremendous wealth, he is able to attract everyone into his life circle. Nevertheless, his entire motive is to win back his old lover, Daisy. His loyalty for love eventually paved the road toward his tragic ending.

I really enjoyed this book. I admit, I was surprised. I went into reading this book as a big task, something to be avoided at all costs. But when I really got down to reading it, I realized how interesting the book actually was. The first chapter or so was a bit slow, but after that the storyline just kept gaining momentum. I strongly believe that F. Scott Fitzgerald was the premier writer of the "Jazz Age." "The Great Gatsby" is often referred to as the quintessential novel of the "Jazz Age" and I believe that this is very true! Although he was a great writer, I think he was a little politically incorrect. He also used a lot of plays on words, which made reading the novel a little more confusing. The notes in the back of the book did help a little but it was more confusing then it needed to be. I did like how Fitzgerald used the first person. It lets us get really close inside the narrator's head and that's nice to be able to do. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read other books by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Thank you for listening and V.A. rules.