Justin Harvey Smith (1857-1930) was an eminent American historian and author, renowned predominantly for his comprehensive work on the Mexican-American War. Born on May 20, 1857, in Washington, D.C., Smith invested a significant part of his life in the academic pursuit of history. His magnum opus, 'The War with Mexico' (Vol.1&2), is considered a cornerstone in the historiography of the nineteenth-century conflict. Published in 1919, these volumes won him the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1920, a testament to his meticulous research and profound understanding of the geopolitical and military complexities of the time. Smith's narrative is marked by a balanced and scholarly treatment of both American and Mexican perspectives, avoiding the jingoism that characterized many earlier accounts and leveraging an extensive array of primary sources, which made his work a vital resource for historians and scholars. He focused not just on the political and military events but also examined the societal intricacies and the war's aftermath, reflecting his keen insight into the forces shaping historical events. Smith's literary style was both precise and engaging, making his historical writing accessible to both scholars and general readers. His contribution to the field of American history is significant, and 'The War with Mexico' remains a defining analysis of the conflict, offering invaluable insights into a transformative period for both the United States and Mexico.

Justin Harvey Smith's seminal work 'The War with Mexico' offered in two illuminating volumes, delivers an exhaustive exploration of the Mexican-American War, a pivotal but often overshadowed conflict in American history. With acute analytic rigor, Smith combs through the war's political and military intricacies, employing a narrative style that deftly synthesizes detailed research with compelling storytelling. The work elegantly situates itself within the broader historiographical discourse, scrutinizing the bi-national tensions and the war's profound implications on both the United States and Mexico. The literary prowess of Smith, manifested in these pages, renders a comprehensive tableau of the war-from the pre-war political turmoil to the intricate tapestry of battles, culminating in the controversial treaty of peace.
Justin Harvey Smith, a historian of notable repute, was propelled by a desire to unearth the latent complexities of the Mexican-American War, a topic shaded by myth and bias in his time. His academic journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to objectivity and a meticulous dissection of sources. Smith's insight into the war's landscape was informed by exhaustive primary document studies, which enabled him to challenge prevailing narratives and provide a more nuanced view of a conflict too often simplified as a mere prelude to the American Civil War. His work reflects not merely a historical account, but a passionate quest for truth amidst the fog of nationalistic historiography.
'The War with Mexico' beckons the scholarly reader and the historically curious alike to engage with a narrative that reshaped the continent's geopolitical boundaries. Smith's rigorous scholarship and captivating narrative style ensure that these volumes are not merely descriptive records but analytical masterpieces offering indispensable perspectives. His magnum opus invites readers to ponder the complexities of war, the intricacies of international relations, and the enduring legacies that shape nations. This book is a must-read for those seeking to thoroughly understand the roots and repercussions of the Mexican-American War, and it stands as a testament to the enduring importance of historical scholarship.