William Jay Jacobs

I found this to be very interesting as I knew very little about the Mexican War regarding its battles and military strategies. There is a disappointing lack of primary sources, but there are many illustrations, engravings, and an early photograph (of then Representative Abraham Lincoln, no less) that capture America and Mexico in the 1840s. Great descriptions of the major battles and military commanders; and an epilogue and timeline at the book's end offer a good conclusion that brings the story full circle (there is mention at beginning and end of concerns with slavery and states' rights that would lead to the Civil War). One of the best short reads of an American conflict I've read, even though the book was published in 1993.… (mer)