Henry Adams: History of the United States of America During the Administrations of James Madison (Library of America), Vol. 2 Book

Just as amazing and insightful as his first volume on the Jefferson administrations, Henry Adams proves that he is as good in war as he is in peace. As this history revolves around the Madison administrations and, hence, the War of 1812, it is only natural that he should spend much of the book discussing the land and sea battles of that war. But what I didn't fully expect, and what most other readers may not fully expect, is how good he is at it. I found myself cheering when our navy harrassed the all-powerful British navy with its better guns and faster ships, just as I found myself screaming at the incompetence of General Winder at Bladensburg, which would lead to the torching of Washington. And Adams's ending chapters on how far America had progressed in terms of character, intellect, and culture both leaves the reader (when contrasted with the first chapters of Adams's previous volume on the same topics) in wonder of the short period of time in which Americans adapted and hopeful about our own future. Again, the sheer length of this book (over 1300 pages) will deter the general reader, but for any and all American history buffs, this and Adams's previous volume is a must read.