Patriotic Fire

Andrew Jackson and Jean Laffite at the Battle of New Orleans

By: Winston Groom

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

From the author of best-selling works of history and fiction, a fast-paced, enthralling retelling of one of the greatest battles fought on the North American continent. Learn about the two men who, against all expectations and odds, joined forces to repel the British invasion of New Orleans in December 1814.

This audio program has all the ingredients of a high-flying adventure story. Unbeknownst to the combatants, the War of 1812 has ended. But Andrew Jackson, a brave, charismatic American general, sick with dysentery and commanding a beleaguered garrison, leads a desperate struggle to hold on to New Orleans and thwart the army that defeated Napoleon. Helping him is a devilish French pirate, Jean Laffite, who rebuffs a substantial bribe from the British and, together with his erstwhile enemy, saves the city from invasion...much to the grateful chagrin of New Orleanians, shocked to find themselves on the same side as the brazen buccaneer.

Winston Groom brings his considerable storytelling gifts to the re-creation of this remarkable battle and to the portrayal of its main players. Against the richly evocative backdrop of French New Orleans, he illuminates Jackson's brilliant strategy and tactics, as well as the antics and cutthroat fighting prowess of Laffite and his men. Patriotic Fire brings this extraordinary military achievement vividly to life.

©2006 Winston Groom (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"His vivid account of how that victory was won merits a place in both public and private collections." (Publishers Weekly)

A Great Book About A Fascinating Battle

The Battle of New Orleans is a strange battle to discuss. It was the last battle in the War of 1812. It was fought after the war had actually ended. Since transportation was so slow the news of the war’s end did not arrive in time to prevent the battle. One one side were the invaders. General Packinham led an army of battle hardened British soldiers. Many of them had campaigned against the French armies in Portugal, Spain, and France with the Duke of Wellington. They were not an army used to defeat. Against that force was General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee. Jackson had assembled a motley crew of Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky volunteers, US Army regulars, Baratarian pirates, and Choctaw warriors. When on January 8, 1815 the 11,000 man British force attacked it was repulsed with heavy losses by the Americans.

Winston Groom, best known as author of Forrest Gump takes the reader on a fascinating ride through the story of this war. Groom introduces the conflict by discussing an ancestor of his who fought at the battle. Then he gives a long background on the history of Jean Laffite and his Baratarians. He discusses the city of New Orleans, the background of the war, Andrew Jackson, and a host of other things. Groom is a brilliant author and his prose really shines forth in this book. He doesn’t pretend to be a professional historian. Where the records are confusing or contradictory, which is often, he gives several possibilities and then shares which one he like best. This is a great book about a fascinating battle. Do yourself a favor and read this.

Exciting history

This book is thoroughly researched, well written and very well performed! Jackson's generalship is superior. He was able to turn a very likely defeat into victory! Anyone interested in US history should read this book.

Charming

A light, conversational, sometimes thrilling, and always charming history of the Battle of New Orleans. The narrator is absolutely excellent, warm, wry, avuncular. Perfect if you enjoy military histories or are looking for a refresher on the War of 1812.

Great book.

I often wonder why this is touched on more in schools. I wonder why a lot of things happen in our schools.

Excellent

Well written, well performed, concise, insightful, witty, and most of all...interesting. This is history just the way I like it.