Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 [Library Binding]

Jeanne T. Heidler (Author), David S. Heidler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0874369681 | ISBN-13: 978-0874369687 | Publication Date: December 1, 1997 | Edition: 1St Edition

The Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 is the first complete reference encyclopedia for the War of 1812 and an invaluable resource for public libraries, universities, colleges, and high schools. The encyclopedia portrays important military, political, and diplomatic figures from John Quincy Adams to Castlereagh. Key battles, including the Battle of Tippecanoe and the sea battle of the U.S.S. Constitution v. H.M.S. Guerrire, are relived.

A short bibliography for each article provides guidance for more in depth exploration, making the Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 a useful tool for general readers and scholars alike. The editors cover approximately 500 topics and the entries are extensively cross referenced. The encyclopedia is also illustrated with photos from the Library of Congress. An impressive collection of contributors and prestigious scholars from the United States, Europe, and Canada offer fresh insights and perspectives to many aspects of a war that has enjoyed a rebirth of interest.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 UpAThis alphabetically arranged encyclopedia contains more than 500 entries. Each essay is signed and includes-cross references and a list for further reading. Black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and maps complement the text. Three appendixes include: Tables of the Congressional War Vote; Executive Officers of the Federal Government during the Madison Presidency; and documents such as The Berlin Decree of 1806, British Order in Council of 1807, Milan Decree of 1807, and President James Madison's War Message of 1812. A daily chronology begins in May 1805 and lists political, diplomatic, or military action through 1815. The book concludes with a 24-page bibliography and a detailed index. Even though this book was prepared for American audiences, the many historical views of the war are fairly and judiciously reported. An excellent and important source for all libraries.AMarsha S. Holden, Lincolnwood Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The Heidlers (Old Hickory's War: Andrew Jackson and the Quest for Empire, Stackpole, 1996) have edited an excellent reference work on the major event of the early national period, the War of 1812. Arranged in alphabetical order, their encyclopedia contains more than 500 entries by some 70 authors, including leading authorities on the war such as Donald Hickey. Although all the military engagements are covered, this thorough and comprehensive book also treats such topics as African Americans, the Federalist Party, and naval medicine. Also included are nearly two dozen pages of maps, a broad introductory overview of the war, and an up-to-date bibliography that includes such 1997 titles as Paul Nagel's biography of John Quincy Adams (LJ 10/1/97). This handsomely produced and easy-to-use book is fully indexed, with a special section of important documents. Most libraries will want to have it on hand.?Stephen G. Weisner, Springfield Technical Community Coll., MA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 636 pages
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO; 1St Edition edition (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874369681
• ISBN-13: 978-0874369687
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,921,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler are a husband-wife team who have written numerous books and articles dealing with the history of the early American republic, the Antebellum period, and the Civil War, including an encyclopedia of the War of 1812 and an award-winning encyclopedia of the American Civil War, which received the Society for Military History's Distinguished Book Award in 2003. They are the authors of Old Hickory's War: Andrew Jackson and the Quest for Empire, The War of 1812, Manifest Destiny, Daily Life in the Early American Republic: Creating a New Nation, 1790-1820, and The Mexican War.

Their most recent work is a biography of Henry Clay published by Random House in May 2010.

Visit the authors' web page at http://djheidler.com/.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful reference work, April 22, 2000

By 

Joseph T. Reeves - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 (Library Binding)

"Encyclopedia of the War of 1812" fills a gap in the study of American history. The War of 1812 is often regarded as the last chapter in the American Revolution. It is usually boiled down to a mere skirmish between the fledging American nation and the British Empire before the two eventually became firm allies.

The encyclopedia includes useful entries ranging from a few lines to several pages on key military and civilian leaders on both sides of the conflict, significant battles, and important diplomatic treaties that resulted in starting and ending the war. In all, this a fine reference work that allows the War of 1812 to stand as a watershed in the development of the American nation.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, May 20, 2002

By 

Thomas Hillman (GARDINER, MAINE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 (Library Binding)

I did not think much of this book at first. However, over time I have found it to be to far better. It covers nearly all topics of the war and gives a good brief description. Some are better covered than others. Most have an extremely useful list of references for further reading. Therefore, it is useful for the beginner and expert.
A few maps are at the front and end of the book. Individual battles do not have a high level of detail or maps. A large portion is dedicated to bios of those involved.