"Any biography of Henry Clay's 46 year political career quickly becomes entangled with his monumental, though youthful, political leadership of the War Hawks in urging the Madison Administration to arm the United States for war with Great Britain. There has been no detailed treatment of his major role in this early American war until this present work"-- Provided by publisher.

Youth -- Kentucky lawyer -- Kentucky legislator -- In defense of a vice president -- Apprenticeship for high office -- Burr trial/British impressment -- Restless politician -- The western star -- Mr. Speaker -- Irresolution and intrigue -- Embargo -- Politics and diplomacy -- Coercion charge -- Declaration of war -- War in the west -- Battle action and election -- Political reaction -- War effort adrift -- Remember the River Raisin -- Diplomacy renewed -- The disastrous spring of 1813 -- The congressional summer -- In the eye of a hurricane -- Resignation -- In transit to Europe -- Idling at Gottenburg -- Gathering of the commissioners -- Sine qua non -- Rupture -- Negotiating to negotiate -- Washington under attack -- Washington ablaze -- British policy is delay -- Wellington inserts himself -- Treaty of Ghent -- Post-war contentions -- Battle for New Orleans -- Last days in Europe.