Beschloss provides a groundbreaking and often surprising saga of America's wartime chief executives. From James Madison and the War of 1812 to recent times, we see them struggling with Congress, the courts, the press, their own advisors and antiwar protesters; seeking comfort from their spouses, families and friends; and dropping to their knees in prayer. We come to understand how these Presidents were able to withstand the pressures of war-- both physically and emotionally-- or were broken by them. -- adapted from publisher info