The War of 1812 (Essential Histories) (Hardcover)

by Carl Benn (Author) "The Chesapeake affair symbolized how grave an issue 'impressment' was between Great Britain and the United States..." (more)
Key Phrases: native allies, upper province, United States, Upper Canada, Royal Navy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"I am most favorably impressed by the Essential Histories series on the American Civil War. Written by four of the best historians of the military course of the war, these volumes provide a lucid and concise narrative of the campaigns in both the Eastern and Western theaters as well as penetrating analyses of strategies and leadership. Ideal for classroom use or fireside reading." --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
The bloody war of 1812 saw British, American, and First Nations forces clash in a conflict that would forever alter North America. This book explains the background to the war and covers the three years of fighting on land and sea, including the battles of Lake Erie and Lake Champlain.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415968399
• ISBN-13: 978-0415968393
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,589,924 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to the War of 1812, November 7, 2007

By	J. W. Johnson (Wisconsin USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The War of 1812 (Paperback)

This book is a good, even-handed introduction to the War of 1812. The causes of the war, the major campaigns and battles, some of the major personalities, and the concluding Treaty of Ghent are all covered in varying levels of detail. American readers, who learned in school (as I did) that the War of 1812 was a "second war of independence", will find that not everyone shares this point of view.

In some sections it would have been nice to have a little more detail, but the author did a good job to cover so much within the limitations of the Essential History series. The book is a good overview and provides many references for further reading. I recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Typical Introductory-themed Volume, January 15, 2007

By	Tuvan Uner (Virginia,United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The War of 1812 (Paperback)

I agree with the other reviewer. Osprey books are designed for quick overviews of influential battles in world history. This is not meant as the 'be all end all of war of 1812' books. I suggest you read J. Mackay Hitman's 'The Great War of 1812' perhaps you will find that your liking.
Now for this book, its a great mini-intro to an often forgotten conflict that is-for the most part-overlooked. So take it from me, Ive built up my osprey collection and this one is one of the better volumes.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Overview, October 17, 2006

By	Jon Latimer (Wales) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The War of 1812 (Paperback)

I have given this book four stars to try and even up the previous reviewer's harsh judgement. The book, like all Ospreys, is only designed to be a brief overview in which it is quite adequate; there are other publications for those who want more in-depth accounts.

As for the accusation by the previous reviewer that it makes the Americans look like 'aggressors', he appears unaware that the US started the war with the express aim of conquering Upper Canada (Ontario), something it repeatedly tried to do; or of Jefferson's claim that the capture of Quebec was 'a mere matter of marching'. If an account is 'unbiased' only when it is uncritical of US policy and actions, he is going to be doubly disappointed, and will find little solace in serious American accounts such as those by John K. Mahon or Donald R. Hickey - American's leading expert on the War. Instead, he will find Carl Benn's view, far from being 'disappointing for a historian', is the generally accepted outlook by serious students of the subject, both Canadian and American.