A Century Of Destiny
Like other narrative forms, history must have its stars and supporting players. Some years need no introduction, like 1492 or 1776. The War of 1812, even if most Americans have forgotten why it was fought, nevertheless guarantees immortality to its namesake year. Amid the drab procession of centuries constituting the Middle Ages, 1066 stands out for the Norman conquest of England, an event that combines the two star qualities of consequentiality and contingency....