The Year of Decision 1846, (Paperback)

from jmcilree

Where to start? It's brilliant. It's engaging. It's unique. It's beautifully written. DeVoto is an inconoclast and loves knocking off the pedestal heroes like Zachary Taylor and John C. Fremont. And he loves the West, particularly the mountains. And he loves the Mountain Men. This is not a chrono...

from Mdshrk1

Bernard DeVoto is a forgotten great. Most people have never heard of him. This is my favorite of all his books. It is a close examination of what happened in 1846...a more important year than most would think. A must read.

from Ogmin

Told in a friendly, accessible style, 1846 is a comprehensive look at the dynamics of the western migrations and the inner mood of a young, vigorous nationalism. I was hardly surprised to learn of the all too familiar ways of cunning politicians like James K. Polk and Senator Thomas Hart Benton, ...

from JBreedlove

Relates the events that led up to the Mexican American War and the events of the war itself.

from DinadansFriend

A good deal of focussed research underlay a lively account of the year in question. It presents the activities clearly, and is a good explanation of the intellectual and social underpinnings of the massive expansion of the USA. De Voto writes well, and provides many possible epigraphs for other w...