Told from multiple points of view—including James and Dolley Madison and a British admiral—this is the true story of the burning of the White House in 1814.

It’s unimaginable today, even for a generation that saw the Twin Towers fall and the Pentagon attacked. It’s unimaginable because in 1814, enemies didn’t fly overhead; they marched through the streets, and for twenty-six hours in August, the British enemy marched through Washington, DC, and set fire to government buildings, including the US Capitol and the White House.

Relying on firsthand accounts, historian Jane Hampton Cook weaves together several different narratives to create a vivid, multidimensional account of the burning of Washington, including the escalation that led to it and the immediate aftermath. From James and Dolley Madison to the British admiral who ordered the White House set aflame, historical figures are brought to life through their experience of this unprecedented attack. The Burning of the White House is the story of a city invaded, a presidential family displaced, a nation humbled, and an American spirit that somehow remained unbroken.

John Quincy and Louisa Adams’s unexpected journey that changed everything.

American Phoenix is the sweeping, riveting tale of a grand historic adventure across forbidding oceans and frozen tundra—from the bustling ports and towering birches of Boston to the remote reaches of pre-Soviet Russia, from an exile in arctic St. Petersburg to resurrection and reunion among the gardens of Paris. Upon these varied landscapes this Adams and his Eve must find a way to transform their banishment into America’s salvation.

Author, historian, and national media commentator Jane Hampton Cook breathes life into once-obscure history, weaving a meticulously researched biographical tapestry that reads like a gripping novel. With the arc and intrigue of Shakespearean drama in a Jane Austen era, American Phoenix is a timely yet timeless addition to the recent renaissance of works on the founding Adams family, from patriarchs John and Abigail to the second-generation of John Quincy and Louisa and beyond.

Cook has crafted not only a riveting narrative but also an easy-to-understand history filled with fly-on-the-wall vignettes from 1812 and its hardscrabble, freedom-hungry people. While unveiling vivid portrayals of each character—a colorful assortment of heroes and villains, patriots and pirates, rogues and rabble-rousers—she paints equally fresh, intimate portraits of both John Quincy and Louisa Adams. Cook artfully reveals John Quincy’s devastation after losing the job of his dreams, battle for America’s need to thrive economically, and sojourn to secure his homeland’s survival as a sovereign nation. She reserves her most detailed brushstrokes for the inner struggles of Louisa, using this quietly inspirational woman’s own words to amplify her fears, faith, and fortitude along a deeply personal, often heart-rending journey. Cook’s close-up perspective shows how this American couple’s Russian destination changed US destiny.

Forgeries ~ 18th Century Style Fake News

"I do not really wish for independence. I hope there are few who do," George Washington, June 18, 1776.

Did General Washington write these words, which newspapers published? Was this propaganda and disinformation ~18th Century fake news?

If Washington didn''t write these words, who had the motive and moxie to credibly pull off writing multiple forgeries in his name? Four suspects will emerge and reveal new dimensions of the American Revolution. 

Was this the first time that malicious news had attacked Washington? On the positive side, which free speech activist and cancel culture victim turned Washington into a media darling?

For the first time, newly digitized letters and newspapers answer these questions and solve this 245-year-old whodunnit history mystery. 

A great awakening to tyranny, the American Revolution was also a war of lies, whose battlefields were on the pages of newspapers and pamphlets ~ social media 1776-style.

Timed by award-winning author Jane Hampton Cook to prepare Americans for celebrating America''s 250th, War of Lies shows the importance of the Judeo-Christian virtue of truth and the origins of freedom of speech and the press.

When Virginia, age 10, asks her grandfather, "who fired the first fireworks for independence?" the answer he gives is as surprising as it is delightful. First Fireworks for Independence takes young readers on a sparkling journey to Virginia, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina.

Discover the story behind the tradition of launching fireworks for July 4 and the mysterious identity of Virginia''s grandfather. Award-winning author and presidential historian Jane Hampton Cook presents First Fireworks for Independence to help young Americans to better understand our nation''s founding and to prepare them to celebrate America''s 250th birthday in 2026.

O Say Can You See?

Georgetown lawyer Francis Scott Key did not initially support the War of 1812 against Great Britain. After all, he voted against President James Madison and his war. Instead, Key supported the Federalist Party. But after the notorious British military burned the White House and Capitol--the 9/11 of the War of 1812--Key set aside his political differences, spoke with President Madison, and answered the call to do what he could for his country. While aboard a British warship after negotiating the release of an American war prisoner, Key witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. What happened next changed his life. Discover why and how he came to write America''s national anthem, whose lyrics have inspired millions of Americans over the years. By award-winning author and former White House webmaster, Jane Hampton Cook, America''s Star-Spangled Story is a beautiful patriotic gift book for all Americans.

Told from multiple points of view—including James and Dolley Madison and a British admiral—this is the true story of the burning of the White House in 1814.

It’s unimaginable today, even for a generation that saw the Twin Towers fall and the Pentagon attacked. It’s unimaginable because in 1814, enemies didn’t fly overhead; they marched through the streets, and for twenty-six hours in August, the British enemy marched through Washington, DC, and set fire to government buildings, including the US Capitol and the White House.

Relying on firsthand accounts, historian Jane Hampton Cook weaves together several different narratives to create a vivid, multidimensional account of the burning of Washington, including the escalation that led to it and the immediate aftermath. From James and Dolley Madison to the British admiral who ordered the White House set aflame, historical figures are brought to life through their experience of this unprecedented attack. The Burning of the White House is the story of a city invaded, a presidential family displaced, a nation humbled, and an American spirit that somehow remained unbroken.

John Quincy and Louisa Adams’s unexpected journey that changed everything.

American Phoenix is the sweeping, riveting tale of a grand historic adventure across forbidding oceans and frozen tundra—from the bustling ports and towering birches of Boston to the remote reaches of pre-Soviet Russia, from an exile in arctic St. Petersburg to resurrection and reunion among the gardens of Paris. Upon these varied landscapes this Adams and his Eve must find a way to transform their banishment into America’s salvation.

Author, historian, and national media commentator Jane Hampton Cook breathes life into once-obscure history, weaving a meticulously researched biographical tapestry that reads like a gripping novel. With the arc and intrigue of Shakespearean drama in a Jane Austen era, American Phoenix is a timely yet timeless addition to the recent renaissance of works on the founding Adams family, from patriarchs John and Abigail to the second-generation of John Quincy and Louisa and beyond.

Cook has crafted not only a riveting narrative but also an easy-to-understand history filled with fly-on-the-wall vignettes from 1812 and its hardscrabble, freedom-hungry people. While unveiling vivid portrayals of each character—a colorful assortment of heroes and villains, patriots and pirates, rogues and rabble-rousers—she paints equally fresh, intimate portraits of both John Quincy and Louisa Adams. Cook artfully reveals John Quincy’s devastation after losing the job of his dreams, battle for America’s need to thrive economically, and sojourn to secure his homeland’s survival as a sovereign nation. She reserves her most detailed brushstrokes for the inner struggles of Louisa, using this quietly inspirational woman’s own words to amplify her fears, faith, and fortitude along a deeply personal, often heart-rending journey. Cook’s close-up perspective shows how this American couple’s Russian destination changed US destiny.

Forgeries ~ 18th Century Style Fake News

"I do not really wish for independence. I hope there are few who do," George Washington, June 18, 1776.

Did General Washington write these words, which newspapers published? Was this propaganda and disinformation ~18th Century fake news?

If Washington didn''t write these words, who had the motive and moxie to credibly pull off writing multiple forgeries in his name? Four suspects will emerge and reveal new dimensions of the American Revolution. 

Was this the first time that malicious news had attacked Washington? On the positive side, which free speech activist and cancel culture victim turned Washington into a media darling?

For the first time, newly digitized letters and newspapers answer these questions and solve this 245-year-old whodunnit history mystery. 

A great awakening to tyranny, the American Revolution was also a war of lies, whose battlefields were on the pages of newspapers and pamphlets ~ social media 1776-style.

Timed by award-winning author Jane Hampton Cook to prepare Americans for celebrating America''s 250th, War of Lies shows the importance of the Judeo-Christian virtue of truth and the origins of freedom of speech and the press.

When Virginia, age 10, asks her grandfather, "who fired the first fireworks for independence?" the answer he gives is as surprising as it is delightful. First Fireworks for Independence takes young readers on a sparkling journey to Virginia, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina.

Discover the story behind the tradition of launching fireworks for July 4 and the mysterious identity of Virginia''s grandfather. Award-winning author and presidential historian Jane Hampton Cook presents First Fireworks for Independence to help young Americans to better understand our nation''s founding and to prepare them to celebrate America''s 250th birthday in 2026.

O Say Can You See?

Georgetown lawyer Francis Scott Key did not initially support the War of 1812 against Great Britain. After all, he voted against President James Madison and his war. Instead, Key supported the Federalist Party. But after the notorious British military burned the White House and Capitol--the 9/11 of the War of 1812--Key set aside his political differences, spoke with President Madison, and answered the call to do what he could for his country. While aboard a British warship after negotiating the release of an American war prisoner, Key witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. What happened next changed his life. Discover why and how he came to write America''s national anthem, whose lyrics have inspired millions of Americans over the years. By award-winning author and former White House webmaster, Jane Hampton Cook, America''s Star-Spangled Story is a beautiful patriotic gift book for all Americans.