Account

Company

  Menu
Large Image

When Britain Burned the White House: The 1814 Invasion of Washington

by (John Murray)

(163 reviews)

£2.99 £6.99 Save 57%

Share This

Description

As heard on BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week.

Shortlisted for the Paddy Power Political History Book of the Year Award 2014.

In August 1814 the United States' army is defeated in battle by an invading force just outside Washington DC. The US president and his wife have just enough time to pack their belongings and escape from the White House before the enemy enters. The invaders tuck into the dinner they find still sitting on the dining-room table and then set fire to the place.

9/11 was not the first time the heartland of the United States was struck a devastating blow by outsiders. Two centuries earlier, Britain - now America's close friend, then its bitterest enemy - set Washington ablaze before turning its sights to Baltimore.

In his compelling narrative style, Peter Snow recounts the fast-changing fortunes of both sides of this extraordinary confrontation, the outcome of which inspired the writing of the 'Star-Spangled Banner', America's national anthem. Using a wealth of material including eyewitness accounts, he also describes the colourful personalities on both sides of these spectacular events: Britain's fiery Admiral Cockburn, the cautious but immensely popular army commander Robert Ross, and sharp-eyed diarists James Scott and George Gleig. On the American side: beleaguered President James Madison, whose young nation is fighting the world's foremost military power, his wife Dolley, a model of courage and determination, military heroes such as Joshua Barney and Sam Smith, and flawed incompetents like Army Chief William Winder and War Secretary John Armstrong.

When Britain Burned the White House highlights this unparalleled moment in American history, its far-reaching consequences for both sides and Britain's and America's decision never again to fight each other.
Show Less

Show More

Tag This Book

This Book Has Been Tagged
It hasn't. Be the first to tag this book!

Our Recommendation

Get It This book is at its lowest price since we started tracking it.

Notify Me When The Price...

  • If I'm already tracking this book

to track this book on eReaderIQ.

Track These Authors

to track Peter Snow on eReaderIQ.

  • to be notified each time the price drops on any book by Peter Snow.
  • to stop tracking Peter Snow.

Price Summary

  • We started tracking this book on September 9, 2013.
  • This book was £12.99 when we started tracking it.
  • The price of this book has changed 31 times in the past 4,325 days.
  • The current price of this book is £2.99 last checked 9 hours ago.
  • The lowest price to date was £2.99 last reached on June 17, 2025.
  • This book has been £2.99 4 times since we started tracking it.
  • The highest price to date was £12.99 last reached on May 7, 2014.
  • This book has been £12.99 4 times since we started tracking it.
  • This book is currently at its lowest price since we started tracking it.

Genres

Additional Info

  • Publication Date: September 2, 2013
  • Text-to-Speech: Disabled
  • Lending: Disabled
  • Print Length: 320 Pages
  • File Size: 24 KB

We last verified the price of this book about 9 hours ago. At that time, the price was £2.99. This price is subject to change. The price displayed on the Amazon.co.uk website at the time of purchase is the price you will pay for this book. Please confirm the price before making any purchases.