The War of 1812 (Paperback)

by Henry Adams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Thid unsurpassed work illuminates the unpopular, blunder-filled War of 1812.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Cooper Square Press; 1 edition (October 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815410131
• ISBN-13: 978-0815410133
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #682,462 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive History, July 2, 2000

By	Kevin F. Kiley - See all my reviews

In the introduction to this superb volume, Col John Elting, who has written his own version of the military history of this forgotten war, which is also a must have, states 'If you read only one history of that war, it still should be Adams!'

As a definite Elting fan, that is enough for me to buy, read, and use the book. It should also be enough for any historian/reader to buy this volume.

An extract of the much larger A History of the United States during the Administrations of Jefferson and Madison published almost a century ago, this history of a war the United States almost lost was originally published by the Infantry Journal at Fort Benning, GA. It was, and still is, the best one volume history of that war.

Adams had access to US Government papers and spent almost three years in European archives, many of those references now unfortunately lost because of two world wars. What he gives you is both the military and diplomatic side, and also some interesting views of the events interaction with the larger 'disagreement' going on at the time in Europe centering around Napoleon, Emperor of the French.

What you see is what you get. It is a great story, boldly and accurately told that has stood the test of time. It is highly recommended, and the introduction by Col Elting neatly says it all. The best purely military history is Col Elting's Amateurs! To Arms. Taken together they are incredible-two books you will never forget and will read and reread.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A close one for the U.S., April 28, 2002

By	T. Seagraves "jendomaniac" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is amazing that the US survived this conflict. The author's clear depiction of the politics and generalship (or lack thereof)leaves you wondering how the US ever made it out of this conflict relatively intact. This work is taken from Henry Adams great history that was originally published around 1890. The chapters relevant to the war of 1812 have been compiled to form a fine and detailed account of the war with Britain and Canada.

My only request for improvement would be the addition of an introduction that gives a clearer picture of the reasons for the conflict.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Extensive, April 18, 2004

By	Justin F. Mc Donald "justinakrfc" (Cohoes, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just finished the book and as yet I have never read a book that paid such attention to detail as this one. The letters, the speeches the correspondence available in this book is second to none and were very interesting to say the least. The book does shoot off from time to time, it doesn't follow in line with events as it happened, but its all informative nonetheless.

My only issue with this book is that it omits the causes of the war of 1812, which was what I really wanted to know. The book starts with the first invasion as it may be said and goes on from there. Its really astounding at the amount of mistakes that were made in this war by the administration, especially on land, in the beginnings of the war and the unfortunate burning of Washington. And Adams is quick to add some humor in poking fun at the inconsistencies of the administration during this time.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in an extensive history of the war itself, most notably someone who is deeply interested in military history for it is very specific.