Honor in the Dust is a gripping account of one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: America's high- spirited drive for empire at the dawn of the twentieth century, culminating in the conquest of a fledging Asian republic. At the center of the story stands the dynamic Theodore Roosevelt, who pressure a reluctant President William McKinley into war against Spain. The clash vaults America to world power and thrusts the nation into its own imperial drama in the Philippines. From Admiral George Dewey's legendary naval victory in Manila Bay to the Rough Riders' daring charge up San Juan Hill, from Roosevelt's ascent to the presidency amid national tragedy to charges of U.S. military misconduct and torture in the Philippines, Gregg Jones brilliantly captures America's exuberant and at times painful coming of age. Meticulously researched and passionately written, Honor in the Dust is history with the sweep of a novel. ''Fascinating.. in the end, honor in the dust is less about the freedom of the Philippines than the soul of the United States. This is the story of what happened when a powerful young country and its zealous young president were forced to face the high cost of their ambitions.''