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The Greatest Fury: The Battle of New Orleans and the Rebirth of America
From master historian William C. Davis, the definitive story of the Battle of New Orleans, the fight that decided the ultimate fate not only of the War of 1812 but the future course of the fledgling American republic.
It was a battle most thought could not be won. Outnumbered farmers, merchants, backwoodsmen, smugglers, slaves, and Choctaw Indians, many of them unarmed, were up against the cream of the British army, professional soldiers who had defeated the great Napoleon and set Washington, D.C., ablaze. At stake was nothing less than the future of the vast American heartland, from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, as the ragtag American forces fought to hold New Orleans, the gateway of the Mississippi River and an inland empire.
Tipping the balance of power in the New World, this single battle irrevocably shifted the young republic's political and cultural center of gravity and kept the British from ever regaining dominance in North America. In this gripping, comprehensive study of the Battle of New Orleans, William C. Davis examines the key players and strategy of King George's Red Coats and Andrew Jackson's makeshift "army." A master historian, he expertly weaves together narratives of personal motivation and geopolitical implications that make this battle one of the most impactful ever fought on American soil.
It was a battle most thought could not be won. Outnumbered farmers, merchants, backwoodsmen, smugglers, slaves, and Choctaw Indians, many of them unarmed, were up against the cream of the British army, professional soldiers who had defeated the great Napoleon and set Washington, D.C., ablaze. At stake was nothing less than the future of the vast American heartland, from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, as the ragtag American forces fought to hold New Orleans, the gateway of the Mississippi River and an inland empire.
Tipping the balance of power in the New World, this single battle irrevocably shifted the young republic's political and cultural center of gravity and kept the British from ever regaining dominance in North America. In this gripping, comprehensive study of the Battle of New Orleans, William C. Davis examines the key players and strategy of King George's Red Coats and Andrew Jackson's makeshift "army." A master historian, he expertly weaves together narratives of personal motivation and geopolitical implications that make this battle one of the most impactful ever fought on American soil.
512 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2019
60 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
William C. Davis
320 books94 followersCurrently professor of history at Virginia Tech, William C. Davis has written over fifty books, most about the American Civil War. He has won the Jefferson Davis Prize for southern history three times, the Jules F. Landry Award for Southern history once, and has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
For several years, he was the editor of the magazine Civil War Times Illustrated. He has also served as a consultant on the A&E television series Civil War Journal.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
For several years, he was the editor of the magazine Civil War Times Illustrated. He has also served as a consultant on the A&E television series Civil War Journal.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 20, 2019
As with other books that I have read by the author this one is well written and researched. He has the knack for bringing the individuals involved in history to life making for a more interesting read. This one covers the events leading up to, during and after the Battle of New Orleans which took place shortly after the agreement to end the War of 1812. Due to delays in communication during that time, the British were hopeful that if they won this battle it would give more leverage over control of the Mississippi River. My prior knowledge about this battle was limited to what was included in a couple of the biographies of Andrew Jackson that I had read. This book fills in may of the gaps as it presents both sides of the battle.
I recommend this book for those looking for an interesting read on the Battle of New Orleans.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
I recommend this book for those looking for an interesting read on the Battle of New Orleans.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
March 16, 2020
A thorough and insightful history of the battle.
Davis does a great job bringing the people to life and the narrative moves along at a good pace. He does a great job covering Jackson and how his energy and leadership helped the American side overcome so many obstacles, such as sanitary issues, the Louisiana legislators, and the governor. He also dismisses the Kentucky riflemen’s prowess as a myth for the most part.
The narrative can get a little dense, though; a lot of paragraphs seem overstuffed with names and places, for example. Davis’ writing can get a little repetitive, and the narrative of the action get bogged down at times (troop movements, weaponry, engagements, etc.) There could have been more context about the wider war as well. Better maps would also have helped.
A well-written, well-researched and readable work.
Davis does a great job bringing the people to life and the narrative moves along at a good pace. He does a great job covering Jackson and how his energy and leadership helped the American side overcome so many obstacles, such as sanitary issues, the Louisiana legislators, and the governor. He also dismisses the Kentucky riflemen’s prowess as a myth for the most part.
The narrative can get a little dense, though; a lot of paragraphs seem overstuffed with names and places, for example. Davis’ writing can get a little repetitive, and the narrative of the action get bogged down at times (troop movements, weaponry, engagements, etc.) There could have been more context about the wider war as well. Better maps would also have helped.
A well-written, well-researched and readable work.
January 8, 2025
This is a hard book to rate. The research is top-notch, and even more than Reilly, Davis avoids the battle's many myths. The endnotes themselves are a commentary on which quotations, anecdotes, and ideas Davis discarded and why. Those who have read other accounts will see a lot of standard quotations and episodes missing.
The battle certainly has never been told in greater detail. Yet, the narrative does not sing. As with Davis's book on the Laffite brothers, I think he went in for a drier than usual approach since the topic is so covered in mythology. Still, I will give it the maximum number of stars. The research is top-notch and in many ways this book renders all previous accounts void, although Brown and Reilly are still quite good, and it is worth it to read them for different interpretations of the events. Yet, in any case where the trio disagree, it is best to side with Davis.
The battle certainly has never been told in greater detail. Yet, the narrative does not sing. As with Davis's book on the Laffite brothers, I think he went in for a drier than usual approach since the topic is so covered in mythology. Still, I will give it the maximum number of stars. The research is top-notch and in many ways this book renders all previous accounts void, although Brown and Reilly are still quite good, and it is worth it to read them for different interpretations of the events. Yet, in any case where the trio disagree, it is best to side with Davis.
March 31, 2020
An excellent and very well sourced history. Despite the extensive sourcing it is a pleasure to read. Much better than Brian Kilmeade’s recent effort — although I should state that I expected to dislike Kilmeade’s book because of his politics it was pretty good although not anywhere close to this volume.
May 23, 2020
It was a war few wanted, but President Madison’s declaration, with Congress’s stamp of approval, in June 1812, brought the fledging nation into conflict with its former overlord. It was the culmination of a number of grievances, not least of which was the forcible seizure of seamen from American ships. Becoming embroiled in war with the United States wasn’t high on Britain’s want list; it was already mired in a conflict with a greater foe, Napoleon, and would fight on whatever front threatened to upend its efforts to cripple the French emperor once and for all.
By 1814, both sides were tired of fighting, but neither was willing to give up. Negotiations for peace were ongoing in Ghent, Belgium. The United States still had not taken Canada – one of its major objectives – but it met with some success on both land and sea. As the year unfolded, key events set the stage for what would become the last major conflict of the war. In March, Andrew Jackson and his army won the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In April, Napoleon abdicated and went into exile. In August, the British invaded Washington and burned the White House and other public buildings. The following month, the Americans prevented the enemy from taking Baltimore and killed Major General Robert Ross, whose loss was greatly felt by the British and impacted the outcome of a battle still to come.
No longer focused on fighting its primary foe, Britain turned its full attention on the United States in an effort to bring a resounding defeat on its former colonies. There was one weak spot that would confine the United States within a relatively small area, preventing further westward expansion. At the same time, Britain would gain control of the mighty Mississippi, connecting the northern realm of its empire to its islands in the Caribbean, and the wealth that flowed into New Orleans as people and product traversed the river. Thus, the British focused their attention and resources on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What they didn’t factor into their equation was a wily, imperious general determined to stop the British no matter the cost; a motley group of people willing to set aside their differences to protect what they held dear; and a weather pattern bringing an unusual amount of precipitation and subnormal temperatures to a land ill-suited for traversing with heavy ordnance and supplies or typical combat strategies.
Davis skillfully lays the groundwork for the series of skirmishes collectively known as the Battle of New Orleans. Readers see events unfold from both American and British perspectives, predominantly from people present at the time of the fighting. The narrative is intricately interwoven with these firsthand accounts to provide insights not included in other histories on this topic. Davis also deftly strips away the myths from the action, choosing to address them near the end of the book and providing a clearer picture of what happened when.
Within the twenty-two chapters, readers become familiar with well-known and lesser-known participants. Among the former are Major General Andrew Jackson, Governor William C. C. Claiborne, Jean and Pierre Laffite, Vice Admiral of the Red Sir Alexander Cochrane, and Major General Sir Edward Pakenham. The latter include Master Commandant Daniel Todd Patterson, Edward Livingston, Major General Sir John Lambert, Brigadier General John Coffee, Brigadier General John Adair, Brigadier General David Bannister Morgan, Ensign George Gleig, and Major Robert Rennie. A center section of black-and-white plates showcase portraits of people and illustrations of places pertaining to the Battle of New Orleans, or the war in general. Twenty-six pages of primary resources and only six of secondary appear in the bibliography, demonstrating the depth of Davis’s research and effort to strip away myth from reality. Additional details, as well as source citations, are found in the endnotes, while a comprehensive index provides quick access to material within the text.
Aside from summarizing events leading up to the final confrontation, Davis describes New Orleans, the sixth largest city in the United States at the time and a melting pot of 25,000 people with disparate traditions and cultures, where language identified a person’s politics and loyalties. From the opening salvos of the gun battle on 13 December 1814, seventy-five miles from New Orleans, to the British capture of the garrison at Mobile Bay in February 1815, to the weeks and months afterward, readers come away with a better understanding of what happened and why, as well as why the Battle of New Orleans was so important to Americans and how they saw themselves in decades to follow.
For readers thinking to pass up this book because they read The Pirates Laffite, don’t. The role of the Baratarians and Laffite brothers is shown here, but isn’t as strongly detailed. This book gives another perspective of the battle, but with heavier and more detailed emphasis on the British, Jackson and his army, and the locals who defended their city and homes. Davis also shares the ineptness of some, the mistakes of others, and the egos that interfered with the successful carry through of orders, and those who were left to suffer as a result.
Davis shares what happens to individuals, many of whom were everyday people, and what they endured. At the same time, he incorporates statistics and details of what transpires, but personalizes the events and shows what occurs from all perspectives. The inclusion of so many quotes from contemporary sources makes the events more real and vivid descriptions allow readers to feel, for example, as if they walk alongside British forces, slogging through bayous, swamps, and cypress forests, or enduring hunger and cold while sleeping in frigid temperatures and soggy clothing.
What makes The Greatest Fury a valuable addition to any collection on this historical event is its reliance on contemporary accounts to convey what happened and why. Equally compelling are the many components with which readers today will readily identify – business at a standstill, a legislature that refuses to work together, people coming together to support one another, fear and panic.
By 1814, both sides were tired of fighting, but neither was willing to give up. Negotiations for peace were ongoing in Ghent, Belgium. The United States still had not taken Canada – one of its major objectives – but it met with some success on both land and sea. As the year unfolded, key events set the stage for what would become the last major conflict of the war. In March, Andrew Jackson and his army won the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In April, Napoleon abdicated and went into exile. In August, the British invaded Washington and burned the White House and other public buildings. The following month, the Americans prevented the enemy from taking Baltimore and killed Major General Robert Ross, whose loss was greatly felt by the British and impacted the outcome of a battle still to come.
No longer focused on fighting its primary foe, Britain turned its full attention on the United States in an effort to bring a resounding defeat on its former colonies. There was one weak spot that would confine the United States within a relatively small area, preventing further westward expansion. At the same time, Britain would gain control of the mighty Mississippi, connecting the northern realm of its empire to its islands in the Caribbean, and the wealth that flowed into New Orleans as people and product traversed the river. Thus, the British focused their attention and resources on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What they didn’t factor into their equation was a wily, imperious general determined to stop the British no matter the cost; a motley group of people willing to set aside their differences to protect what they held dear; and a weather pattern bringing an unusual amount of precipitation and subnormal temperatures to a land ill-suited for traversing with heavy ordnance and supplies or typical combat strategies.
Davis skillfully lays the groundwork for the series of skirmishes collectively known as the Battle of New Orleans. Readers see events unfold from both American and British perspectives, predominantly from people present at the time of the fighting. The narrative is intricately interwoven with these firsthand accounts to provide insights not included in other histories on this topic. Davis also deftly strips away the myths from the action, choosing to address them near the end of the book and providing a clearer picture of what happened when.
Within the twenty-two chapters, readers become familiar with well-known and lesser-known participants. Among the former are Major General Andrew Jackson, Governor William C. C. Claiborne, Jean and Pierre Laffite, Vice Admiral of the Red Sir Alexander Cochrane, and Major General Sir Edward Pakenham. The latter include Master Commandant Daniel Todd Patterson, Edward Livingston, Major General Sir John Lambert, Brigadier General John Coffee, Brigadier General John Adair, Brigadier General David Bannister Morgan, Ensign George Gleig, and Major Robert Rennie. A center section of black-and-white plates showcase portraits of people and illustrations of places pertaining to the Battle of New Orleans, or the war in general. Twenty-six pages of primary resources and only six of secondary appear in the bibliography, demonstrating the depth of Davis’s research and effort to strip away myth from reality. Additional details, as well as source citations, are found in the endnotes, while a comprehensive index provides quick access to material within the text.
Aside from summarizing events leading up to the final confrontation, Davis describes New Orleans, the sixth largest city in the United States at the time and a melting pot of 25,000 people with disparate traditions and cultures, where language identified a person’s politics and loyalties. From the opening salvos of the gun battle on 13 December 1814, seventy-five miles from New Orleans, to the British capture of the garrison at Mobile Bay in February 1815, to the weeks and months afterward, readers come away with a better understanding of what happened and why, as well as why the Battle of New Orleans was so important to Americans and how they saw themselves in decades to follow.
For readers thinking to pass up this book because they read The Pirates Laffite, don’t. The role of the Baratarians and Laffite brothers is shown here, but isn’t as strongly detailed. This book gives another perspective of the battle, but with heavier and more detailed emphasis on the British, Jackson and his army, and the locals who defended their city and homes. Davis also shares the ineptness of some, the mistakes of others, and the egos that interfered with the successful carry through of orders, and those who were left to suffer as a result.
Davis shares what happens to individuals, many of whom were everyday people, and what they endured. At the same time, he incorporates statistics and details of what transpires, but personalizes the events and shows what occurs from all perspectives. The inclusion of so many quotes from contemporary sources makes the events more real and vivid descriptions allow readers to feel, for example, as if they walk alongside British forces, slogging through bayous, swamps, and cypress forests, or enduring hunger and cold while sleeping in frigid temperatures and soggy clothing.
What makes The Greatest Fury a valuable addition to any collection on this historical event is its reliance on contemporary accounts to convey what happened and why. Equally compelling are the many components with which readers today will readily identify – business at a standstill, a legislature that refuses to work together, people coming together to support one another, fear and panic.
November 24, 2020
This is one of the most thoroughly-researched books I have ever read, with 28 pages of sources and 118 pages of endnotes (of which there are more than 2,500). The problem is that all of that research made its way into the text, resulting in an overwhelming flood of names, locations, military units, and inclusion of the tiniest of details, like the caliber of the individual artillery pieces.
Although the book title promises to be about the Battle of New Orleans and “the rebirth of America,” 99% of it is about the planning for the Battle, the campaign and Battle itself and its immediate aftermath, rather than about how it was connected to American history more generally. It’s a full account of the battle from every perspective, as Davis relies on diaries, personal letters and records of court martials to provide the facts, and reports on how newspapers from all over America and England reported the battle well after the fact due to 19th Century communication delays. It is remarkable how much information Davis gathered, but it’s just too much to read about this one battle, especially because there are only a handful of maps, and the geography is unfamiliar. Without maps to orient myself, I was constantly lost amid the descriptions of innumerable lakes, bayous, roads and plantations.
If you want to know as much as possible about the Battle of New Orleans, this is the definitive account. If your interest is more general, though, there is just a lot more here than you’re going to want to know about this one event.
Although the book title promises to be about the Battle of New Orleans and “the rebirth of America,” 99% of it is about the planning for the Battle, the campaign and Battle itself and its immediate aftermath, rather than about how it was connected to American history more generally. It’s a full account of the battle from every perspective, as Davis relies on diaries, personal letters and records of court martials to provide the facts, and reports on how newspapers from all over America and England reported the battle well after the fact due to 19th Century communication delays. It is remarkable how much information Davis gathered, but it’s just too much to read about this one battle, especially because there are only a handful of maps, and the geography is unfamiliar. Without maps to orient myself, I was constantly lost amid the descriptions of innumerable lakes, bayous, roads and plantations.
If you want to know as much as possible about the Battle of New Orleans, this is the definitive account. If your interest is more general, though, there is just a lot more here than you’re going to want to know about this one event.
December 20, 2022
With "The Greatest Fury: The Battle of New Orleans and the Rebirth of America", William C. Davis explores this turning point in the War of 1812 that also helped launch the political career of the man who would become our nation's 7th chief executive. This detailed book fills in a lot of the gaps for this reader of things that they don't teach you in the history books about the setup of the battle and also England's determination to hang on to New Orleans no matter the price. Each step of the way, we the reader become slowly engrossed in the events both in New Orleans but also in the remainder of the US as well with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which could've had an impact on the outcome of things as well. Overall, this book is a good addition to anyone's collection with an interest in either Jackson or this battle as well.
November 24, 2023
I'm not a military or battle/field buff but I'm always glad to read what looks like some interesting nonfic that I come across. This one, $1 at the library sale -- a great price and something I'm happy to support.
My eyes did admittedly glaze over at some parts in this: the numbers of guns and types and ships and ranks and where they all went (or didn't). But the whole is cogent and I got a lot from it, while being sure that battle/field buffs got even more.
This is a historical event I was aware of, and understood the significance of both the successful defense of New Orleans and how it vaulted Jackson to nation attention (adoration). But I certainly didn't know this level of detail or the variety of things involved that build a battle -- luck, happenstance, bold moves, needless death, and all the players moving and moving the parts to cause said.
What I found most interesting was the immediate mythologizing of the battle and especially that this is the foundational "rugged individual American staring down danger without flinching and carrying a gun you don't want him to use" event. That our idea of who we are -- and the perception of us to the world -- owes a great deal of itself to Kentuckian Sharpshooters and Backwoods Tennesseans who, in truth, didn't do much to great effect on Line Jackson is believable and something of an 'of course.' From Minutemen to these Kentuckians to Cowboys and on.
And that it launched Jackson is entirely credible; he led with daring and acumen and no apology. He got the job done and more than capably, brilliantly even. But that it launched Jackson is also of course lamentable; we all know what he did after New Orleans.
My eyes did admittedly glaze over at some parts in this: the numbers of guns and types and ships and ranks and where they all went (or didn't). But the whole is cogent and I got a lot from it, while being sure that battle/field buffs got even more.
This is a historical event I was aware of, and understood the significance of both the successful defense of New Orleans and how it vaulted Jackson to nation attention (adoration). But I certainly didn't know this level of detail or the variety of things involved that build a battle -- luck, happenstance, bold moves, needless death, and all the players moving and moving the parts to cause said.
What I found most interesting was the immediate mythologizing of the battle and especially that this is the foundational "rugged individual American staring down danger without flinching and carrying a gun you don't want him to use" event. That our idea of who we are -- and the perception of us to the world -- owes a great deal of itself to Kentuckian Sharpshooters and Backwoods Tennesseans who, in truth, didn't do much to great effect on Line Jackson is believable and something of an 'of course.' From Minutemen to these Kentuckians to Cowboys and on.
And that it launched Jackson is entirely credible; he led with daring and acumen and no apology. He got the job done and more than capably, brilliantly even. But that it launched Jackson is also of course lamentable; we all know what he did after New Orleans.
December 10, 2019
(Audiobook) This work is an in-depth overview of the events leading to, the battle of and the aftermath of one of the more consequential actions in 1st half of the 19th century for America: The Battle of New Orleans. When the US forces, a amalgamation of local Louisiana and other American forces to counter a confident British Army. Yet, it was a battle that probably didn't need to be fought, given that the War of 1812 was all but settled with the Treaty of Ghent on Christmas Eve, 1814. However, communications were not particularly fast and to reach New Orleans in time to halt the battle would not have been feasible. Yet, this victory, more than the treaty, did much to thwart British military adventures against America. In addition, it gave America its next great heroic figure, Andrew Jackson, whose victory at New Orleans eventually propelled him to the White House.
This work is a detailed account, pulling from British and American accounts of how both sides prepared for the battle, the actual combat, and the post-war struggles. Much of the work focuses on the build-up to the fighting, as there are many players in this tale. Overall, a very readable and informative work about a key battle. The audiobook is good, but it would help to see a map of the movement of the forces and some visual perspectives of the battlefield would be useful, especially for the non-experts in this area. Worth the time to read/listen.
This work is a detailed account, pulling from British and American accounts of how both sides prepared for the battle, the actual combat, and the post-war struggles. Much of the work focuses on the build-up to the fighting, as there are many players in this tale. Overall, a very readable and informative work about a key battle. The audiobook is good, but it would help to see a map of the movement of the forces and some visual perspectives of the battlefield would be useful, especially for the non-experts in this area. Worth the time to read/listen.
June 21, 2020
The Battle of New Orleans is the exclamation point on the end of the War of 1812, but other than knowing what a lopsided victory it was, I didn't know much about the battle. The author tries to frame this battle as an "American" battle, since it had Louisianians, Kentuckians, Tennesseans, pirates, and free blacks all fighting in the American army. My main issue is with the books treatment of Andrew Jackson. He is a very complicated part of American history and I think it is the duty of a historian to explore all aspects, not just the positives. But this book comes across as incredibly one-sided in favor of Jackson. While his military leadership was important to winning this battle (and he made his mistakes there), I think looking at his problems with the governor and his near dictatorship after the battle bear more investigating. And then there is the issue of the widespread use of slaves to build the defensive line vital to victory. Jackson relied on free black soldiers, but also had no problem using slaves. I think a much fuller history would have looked into these areas more closely, instead of just writing a celebratory history of the battle.
July 16, 2022
The Battle of New Orleans was more than a farce of delayed communication. On the one hand, the fighting was marked by missed opportunities on both sides, leading to the British marching up to the Americans' fortifications and getting slaughtered (not quite as Johnny Horton tells it in his fun song, but rather close). When I read about such missed opportunities in the World Wars, I hadn't really realized how frequent they were in - I'm now thinking - all wars.
And on the other hand, the battle quite possibly did mean something beyond national glory (though it gave America that too). The British had a half-colorable argument the Louisiana Purchase was illegal, and they had left the option open to retain New Orleans - had they taken it - even after the peace treaty. Jackson's able victory forestalled those possibilities and saved the Mississippi for America.
And on the other hand, the battle quite possibly did mean something beyond national glory (though it gave America that too). The British had a half-colorable argument the Louisiana Purchase was illegal, and they had left the option open to retain New Orleans - had they taken it - even after the peace treaty. Jackson's able victory forestalled those possibilities and saved the Mississippi for America.
August 9, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Most books written describing the War of 1812 do not go into detail about the Battle of New Orleans. This is a wonderfully detailed book that describes Old Hickory and the difficulties involved with dealing with the citizens of New Orleans and the geography of the Mississippi delta. Most historical accounts will say that this battle was actually fought after the war ended but, in fact, the Treaty of Ghent was not signed by Madison until after the battle. Minor spelling and grammatical errors that should be fixed prior to publishing.
February 21, 2021
William Davis does a good job telling a story that has been touched on but rarely examined in depth. That's also the problem I have with it. The story offers to much detail and depth to such an extent that it's nearly impossible to follow. Far to many of the people in the story are dumped on us and the events are told in such a fashion that the battle itself takes up far to few pages. It does do a good job humanizing an event and deserves a strong kudo for doing that.
Good book still and I suggest giving it a read.
Good book still and I suggest giving it a read.
March 5, 2024
I liked this book, but I'd argue that it's not a good starting point for someone who is unfamiliar with the War of 1812. There is very little here about the political environment at the time, and the book focused primarily on actions that took place around New Orleans (these aren't necessarily bad things). This book also has an extensive bibliography and notes section.
Side note, but I really could have used more maps that weren't just battlefields. A large map of the States, or even just Louisiana, would have gone a long way.
Side note, but I really could have used more maps that weren't just battlefields. A large map of the States, or even just Louisiana, would have gone a long way.
March 11, 2023
In my humble opinion this is the finest book written on the Battle of New Orleans. Davis has presented an account that is extensively researched and documented. His analysis of both combatants is spot on. He also dispels many myths while also demonstrating how those myths came to be. I highly recommend reading this book if you have any interest in the battle, the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson, or general British or American history.
July 9, 2020
The best book on the 1815 New Orleans Campaign. Makes a persuasive case that the victory prevented the British from capturing the city, thereby controlling the Mississippi Rover and stopping the United Stares from expanding west. And the battle was not the totally one-sided easy victory that is often taught; crucial errors by the British precluded a possible victory and created a bloody rout.
Andrew Jackson’s reputation as a battlefield commander is definitely burnished.
Andrew Jackson’s reputation as a battlefield commander is definitely burnished.
October 28, 2019
Terrific writing and storytelling. An important chapter from our American History written in a detailed but easy to read manner. It felt like I was there, on the battlefield, watching events that could have dramatically altered our great nation. Thank you!
August 8, 2022
Started out as a slow read for me, but once visiting Chalmette this summer, it was easier to follow the story line. William Davis always does a great job with his books and provides great references for further research.
December 8, 2023
This is a very in depth look at the Battle of New Orleans which was fought after the Treaty ending the war was signed. It details the major factors behind the British defeat. The mistakes they made and how General Jackson capitalized on them to achieve victory.
Read
July 31, 2025Good overview of the battles...very day to day..you get to meet a lot of players. I wished it focused a bit more on the overall effect the battle had on New Orleans and the idea of "rebirth of america" but the book does cover it.
January 1, 2026
Honestly, I couldn’t follow the flow of the detailed events very well which is my fault that requires another listen to remedy. The epilogue was outstanding and improved my overall impression. I’m glad I stuck with it!
July 20, 2019
The Greatest Fury is about the War of 1812 and the years following. William C. David is a great historian who has done a great amount of research and it shows. Well written and interesting.
January 20, 2020
Much more detail here than what I have read in previous books on the subject.
Currently reading
March 7, 2020Hard to get through, but a good history lesson.
March 9, 2020
A well-researched and interesting book, but the level of detail provided makes it a real slog to get through without losing the overall picture of the conflict.
May 31, 2022
Read continuously over my trip to New Orleans, this is an extremely detailed account not only of the battle but the entire campaign around it.
March 16, 2024
Nice and current history of battle of New Orleans
June 6, 2024
Lots of details. The author does expect you to recall every person (major and minor) introduced throughout the book when they appear later in the narrative, which led me to a lot of confusion.
Want to read
November 19, 2025E
March 30, 2022
Just because you can fill the page with words and facts doesn’t mean you should. Other reviews mention how well researched this book is, but just because it has been researched doesn’t mean it should be included. Edit the d*mn thing. Do I need to know that “Sailing from Ireland would be the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders; the 95th Rifles; detachments from the 21st Royal North British Fusiliers; the 44th East Essex Regiment; the 4th King’s Own and the 85th Bucks Volunteer Light Infantry…” Unfortunately this is only one such list that should have been an endnote if the author thought anyone would care. It ruins the narrative and I wish I could say it happens this once. The lack of decent maps doesn’t help the experience. I don’t expect to be spoon fed my history, but please don’t put words on my spoon that don’t add value. In my opinion, this is a poorly written book. I had 497 history books in my collection. I now have 496. I’ll never read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews