The Invasion of Canada: 1812-1813 (Paperback)

~ (Author) "ABOARD THE BRITISH FRIGATE Melampus, lying off Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, February, 1807..." (more)
Key Phrases: Van Rensselaer, Upper Canada, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If history could be taught in the schools the way Berton writes about it, there wouldn't be a more popular subject on the curriculum." ?The Globe and Mail

"A wonderful historical work?a book of love, ambition, guile, heroism, tragedy and cowardice." ?The Detroit News

"?a popular history as it should be written." ?The New York Times -- Review

Review

"If history could be taught in the schools the way Berton writes about it, there wouldn't be a more popular subject on the curriculum."
—The Globe and Mail

"A wonderful historical work…a book of love, ambition, guile, heroism, tragedy and cowardice."
—The Detroit News

"…a popular history as it should be written."
—The New York Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Anchor Canada (August 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385658397
• ISBN-13: 978-0385658393
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #592,158 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars War of Canadian Independence , September 12, 2004

By	Matherson (New York) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

A wonderful book by Canada's foremost historian commemorates the War of 1812 as Canada's War of Independence.

The War of 1812 was initiated by President Madison as a war of conquest against Ontario (or Lower Canada, as it was then known). The British forces were arrayed against various un-coordinated American attacks, and the Americans fared particularly badly in 1812-13, notably losing Detroit.

This instalment does not reach the later events of the war, in which more of a stalemate developed (and the Americans scored some big naval victories). But the Canadians never doubted that the campaigns covered in this book - of 1812-13 - had marked a long-term strategic victory, guaranteeing Canada's separate identity, and the inner leadership clique of English-speaking, ethnically Scottish Presbyterians who ran the war effort became the ruling elite of Canada for over a century (if not to this day).

Many key characters of American history come here: General (later President) Harrison; Indian chief Tecumseh; President Madison and President Jefferson. This volume, however, gives equal time (if not precedence) to the Canadian heroes of the campaigns, including in particular celebrates loyalist heroes such as Brock and Strachan. Superb account of the war's critical, indeed decisive, early years.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview from the frontlines., January 23, 2004

By	Kevin C. B. "Opportunistic reader" (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The invasion of Canada (Hardcover)

This volume is an excellent introduction to the War of 1812. The Canadian author maintains his objectivity throughout the volume, and gives accurate and telling details to causes, politics, and leadership on both sides of the northern North American border and how that affected the progress of the war. After reading this book, the reader will come away baffled and outraged at the level of incompetence shown on both sides (initially the US side however), and the level of audacity and caution exhibited by both sides as well. In summation, a highly recommended book, that will provide a good base upon which a detailed understanding of causes, effects, and results of many aspects of this war can be attained.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History comes to life, June 30, 2000

By	Kerry Ryan "kerryryan" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invasion of Canada (Hardcover)

Best book on history I ever read. Most books on the war of 1812 focus on the 'high level' intrigue--congressional debates, executive office plotting, etc. This book focuses on the front lines. Learn about how Madison decision to appoint imcompetent generals (He didn't want the war, and it was his way of keeping it from happening) led to human suffering. Get a good sense of life on the frontier and the fear Americans had of the local Indians. Read this book.