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This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Southern Historical Association on February 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1233 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Other War of 1812: the Patriot War and the American Invasion of Spanish East Florida.(Coacoochee's Bones: A Seminole Saga)(Book Review)
Author: Samuel Watson
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Refereed)
Date: February 1, 2005
Publisher: Southern Historical Association
Volume: 71Issue: 1Page: 147(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This work takes a fresh look at five British generals - Sir George Prevost, Isaac Brock, Roger Sheaffe, Baron Frances de Rottenburt and Canadas. He considers their formative experiences in the British Army and on active service in European and West Indian theatres and evaluates their roles in the context of North American conditions, which were very different from those of Europe. ... Read more

Product Description
Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914) was a United States Navy officer, geostrategist, and educator. His ideas on the importance of sea power influenced navies around the world, and helped prompt naval buildups before World War I. Despite his success in the Navy, his skills in actual command of a ship were not exemplary, and a number of vessels under his command were involved in collisions. On the other hand, the books he wrote ashore made him arguably the most influential naval historian. In 1885, he was appointed lecturer in naval history and tactics and the Naval War College. Before entering on his duties, Mahan was pointed to write his future studies and lectures on the influence of sea power. He organized his lectures into his most influential books, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 (1890). To a modern reader his emphasis on sea-borne commerce may seem commonplace, but the notion was much more radical in Mahan's time. His other works include: The Interest of America in Sea Power, Present and Future (1897) and Types of Naval Officers (1902). ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Boston Politics on the national stage
A lot was going on in America in the first decade of the nineteenth century.

You have New England legislators practicing nullification decades before Calhoun brought it into vogue.You have the southern honor culture gritting its teeth as northerners sought to prevent war with Britain.You have Jefferson signing off on the Louisiana Purchase, which Federalists correctly feared would add to Republican power.You have anxiety from the perception that Napoleon was the natural end to the French Revolution, and the question of who would end the American Revolution.And you have uncertainty over the power and scope of the Federal government.

This work tells a remarkable story through the words of state and federal legislators as they sought to sort it all out. Well worth reading.

The First Threat to Union--From Massachusetts!
Many people believe that secession first came from South Carolina in 1832 and the rest of the south in 1860.However, as Richard Buel demonstrates in this very detailed account quoting richly from primary sources, the first time a threat to maintaining a United States came from Massachusetts and other New England states in the years leading up to the War of 1812.

The argument about war and peace leading up to 1812 involved two sides, Federalists and Republicans, who saw themselves as standing up for the future of the United States.How they were meet this end, however, led to major disagreements.Republicans maintained neutrality in the ongoing war between England and France, Federalists believed that England was a much larger threat, and that measures Republicans were taking were making things worse.

While the Republicans resorted to the malicious, though still all too common, charge of "moral treason" in describing Federalist actions (think "with us or against us" or "swift-boating"), many Federalist leaders did do all they could do within the law to obstruct the government's war effort.This culminated in the 1814 Hartford Convention, where Connecticut and Massachusetts declared outright opposition to the ongoing war effort.The fact that this news hit the national scene as the exact same time as both news of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent at favorable US terms and Jackson's victory at New Orleans shows how misguided the Federalist cause was.

This is an eye-opening book about the formation of the early republic.I highly recommend this detailed account of the government's trials and tribulations as it tries to survive.

The Twilight of the Federalists
Today's tumultuous politics have their genesis in the early years of the American Republic. After the loss of the presidency in the election of 1800, the Federalist party fell into a permanent opposition. By the beginning of the Madison era, they had become particularly virulent, obstructive and isolated. As a young country, America was not strong enough to fend off the depredations of the warring powers of Europe, England and France, and stymie the effects of the British Orders in Council or the various French retaliatory edicts. However, the eastern Federalist opposition to and defiance of the Jeffersonian Embargo and later, Non-Intercourse Acts, precluded any national policy of economic coercion in response to the great powers and made the drift toward the War of 1812 almost inevitable.
In this crisis, the Federalists maintained their narrow political stance and even threatened secession of some New England states. Some of them still chaffed over the Louisiana Purchase and addition of new states to the Republic. They talked of amending the Constitution to give more influence to the commercial eastern states. By the end of the War of 1812, the Federalists had shot their bolt and begun their decline.
This is political history at its best. Professor Buel has marshaled a riveting narrative from primary sources (partisan newspapers, pamphlets and letters)that is subtle and nuanced. His understanding of the political parties and their various factions gives it a drive and, almost, plot-like consistency. I was surprised how engrossing this book was and found myself devouring the text. It brings to the fore various known and unknown political figures of the early Republic including the young Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John Calhoun, foreshadowing the great debates that were the prelude to the Civil War. Some may call it academic because the heavy footnoting and subtle understanding; I call it intelligent. ... Read more

Product Description
Published when Theodore Roosevelt was only twenty-three years old, The Naval War of 1812 was immediately hailed as a literary and scholarly triumph, and it is still considered the definitive book on the subject. It caused considerable controversy for its bold refutation of earlier accounts of the war, but its brilliant analysis and balanced tone left critics floundering, changed the course of U.S. military history by renewing interest in our obsolete forces, and set the young author and political hopeful on a path to greatness. Roosevelt's inimitable style and robust narrative make The Naval War of 1812 enthralling, illuminating, and utterly essential to every armchair historian. The books in the Modern Library War series have been chosen by series editor Caleb Carr according to the significance of their subject matter, their contribution to the field
of military history, and their literary merit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

How long does it take to ship one book
Estimated delivery date almost a week longer than stated, how long does it take to put a book in a box...

Missing Illustrations
This is a reprint of the original work without illustrations.The text is all that remains and that text is available on-line for free from the Project Gutenburg.

5 stars with caveat
I will first state that I have read numbers of Mr. Roosevelt's work and I have a fond affection for his ability.
In stating that, the War of 1812 by his hand is not so much a history, but a complete (and needed) ripping apart of the British smear machine against Americans by a Mr. James.
A modern happening now is the smear against Gov. Sarah Palin by the press and lefists distorting every last detail of her life. This is what the British did to Americans in either they were unqualified or according to James it was British citizens who won the war for America against their own nation as Americans were not up to it.

This Mr. Roosevelt rips to shreds with a doctorate in details that he repeats in a style like in Winning of the West.
My highest affection for Mr. Roosevelt as a historian and writer though when he waxes poetic as in the Wilderness Hunter in hunting moose. This he accomplishes in the first chapter and the last chapter in the Battle of New Orleans wonderfully.
Readers should be warned you are going to have to know luff, tack, weather gauge and various nautical terms as mizzen and spar as sometimes it is difficult to keep track of the ships and even the soldiers on each side.

Mr. Roosevelt has fine maps his wife exclaimed in him drawing little ships when they had dinner. His drawings help immensely even in his positioning the sails.
The greatest shame is our children are deprived of the history Mr. Roosevelt describes on the Great Lakes in some of the the greatest battles in history occur there in Capt. Perry and MacDonough. MacDonough and his squandron is an epic tale of bravery, against all odds and Christian virtue in winning the battle of Lake Champlain.

Teddy could have included 500 more pages on Perry, MacDonough, Hull and Porter who were absolutely the equal of the greatest seafaring soul of all time in Sir. Francis Drake.
As Mr. Roosevelt notes being Dutch, how much it makes the veins of an American swell with pride in knowing these men and how much equal our English brethern served with distinction and honor.

This is a fine book, but it is not a child's story in an easy read. It is technical and I highly doubt the good reviews in the New York Times understood a word of the nautical tide.

I will compliment the two forwards in this book as they are written not by the typical liberal historian who would not understand the meaning of the warriors of 1812. They do a splendid job in being interesting unlike the judgmental type who did the forward on Patton.

I hope that Amazon would start carrying versions of the books Mr. Roosevelt notes in this history in James Fenimore Cooper, Capt. Porter and Adm. Faragut's memoirs in volume so one would not have to search for scarce books.
Mr. Roosevelt proved as a young 20 year old he was equal to any history phd. His work is worth the struggle in refuting the British smears of that era.
God bless

A True Classic
In my view a "true classic" tells not just the story that is the subject of the book, but the language used tells you about both the author and the time.Here, one of the United States' greatest leaders, Theodore Roosevelt, who subsequently became President, does just that.

A Classic Ruided
This Echo Library edtion is a great disappointment. It is riddled with mistakes; words run together, first letter of many words missing, placement of footnote numbers incorrect. There are many different formats used for tables. Their decision to remove the original illustrations and diagrams was a major mistake. It is obivious that a proper proof reading was not cared out. The responsible person for this production has a lot to answer for.

In my opinion this edition should never have come to print. It is no longer a useful reference to the serious student nor is it much good for the casual interested reader. ... Read more

Product Description
Tragedy and farce, bravery and cowardice, intelligence and foolishness, sense and nonsense - all these contradictions and more have characterized the War of 1812. The real significance of the series of skirmishes that collectively made up the war between 1812 and 1814 is the enormous impact they have had on Canadian and American views of themselves and of each other.

The publication of The War of 1812: The War That Both Sides Won in 1990 provided a contemporary look at the period, and included such developments as the 1975 discovery of the Hamilton and Scourge on the bottom of Lake Ontario, and the 1987 discovery of the skeletons of casualties at Snake Hill. Now, a decade later, Wesley B. Turner has updated The War of 1812 to include the volumes of new research that have come to light in recent years. All this new material has been incorporated into this interesting and informative overview of a crucial period in Canada's history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The War of 1812: a Primer
I have read a few books on the War of 1812, and I would say this is the shortest but also the clearest of all those accounts.In his introduction, Turner explains that the book started life as a "textbook" for his university class.This genesis clearly shows through in the way the text is arranged.The prose is quite sparse while still giving the details of battles, leaders, geography, etc.It doesn't have the sheer readability and cleverness of a "people's history" like Pierre Burton's 2-volume set ("The Invasion of Canada" and "Flames Across the Border"), but it's certainly more scholarly and academic.Likewise, it doesn't contain the (sometimes excrutiating) detail of other academic works.

If you want to learn about the War of 1812 for the first time, this is the book to get.

Other things I liked about the book: (a) It puts the War of 1812 in the context of the larger world war that was raging around Napoleon Bonaparte's exploits. (b) It has an appendix on weapons that is useful. (c) It correctly emphasises the fate and plight of the Native Peoples involved. (d) It covers the political aspects from both sides.Unfortunately, there are a some things I didn't like.Primarily, there is the issue of readability - the text is a little dry, the drama never really comes to life.I also share the view of another viewer - it does read as being biased towards the Canadian/British side.Nonetheless, I would have liked for the book to have more detail, because I think Turner is on the right track - there is a need for a survey book of this type and what the book does, it does well.

Good Overview
It works as a good overview.This is not the author's only book about this event, so I trust he knows his facts but I wouldn't be able to verify that.One small drawback is that the author assumes you know the location of certain places so you might become geographically lost at times.It was a quick read on the war which was all I was looking for.

Bias all the way
This book had some merit as a description of the War of 1812.While reading it though, it was impossible to escape the fact that it was written by a Canadian.The bias in this book was incredible, and often hid some of the points that needed to be made.I am not saying this as an American who only wants to read pro-American history, but this book became to biased to convey the facts the author was apparently trying to get across.

Good introduction to the War of 1812
This book is a good overview of the war that does not get bogged down in extensive details pertaining to each individual battle.Those looking for a detailed analysis of the war may want to look elsewhere, but those whoare more interested in the general events and the reason for the choicesmade during the war will likely be pleased with this.My only real qualmis that the book lacks good maps to accompany the descriptions of advances,retreats, etc.Overall though, anyone looking for a general explanation ofthe events of 1812 and especially the reasons why certain choices were madeduring the war will likely be pleased with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Famed as a classic naval duel, the clash between two sailing frigates of the nineteenth century affords its victor immeasurable fame and glory. During the War of 1812, the Royal Navy and United States Navy squared off in a number of such duels, the most famous between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerrière. Tactics between the two nations varied enormously, with the American Navy favoring twenty-four pound guns, heavy carronades, and larger crews, while the British tended to equip its frigates with eighteen-pound guns and smaller, more economical crews. Through first-hand accounts of officers and sailors present at the battles and fascinating comparisons of artillery, crew ability and tactical achievements, this book offers an unparalleled insight into the ruthless reality of frigate battles in the War of 1812. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

U.S.S. Constitution vs. H.M.S. Guerriere
This Osprey book arrived in good order with four other books.The order arrived as scheduled.I served in the navy, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, and ships of this by-gone era have always been an interest to me.This book gives that in depth study, in a short version, as to the how and why American frigates could more than hold their own against a powerful British navy.Overall, very pleased with the book.B.L.

Solid introduction to frigate duels in the War of 1812
The book notes that there were several frigate duels during the War of 1812, where it was ship versus ship. Constitution versus Guerriere (1812), United States versus Macedonian (1812), Constitution versus Java (1812), Chesapeake versus Shannon (1813). Later most American ships were bottled up in harbors by British naval forces.

The book begins by noting something of the romance of the frigates during this historic time frame (Page 4): "Command of a frigate was the goal of every dashing captain during the Age of Fighting Sail, the period from 1650 through 1820. Not only could a frigate beat anything it could catch and escape from anything that could beat it, but the captain of a frigate also commanded the most potent independent warship afloat."

This slender Osprey volume covers life in one of these sailing warships (grim--take a look at the rations on page 39). The book covers the structure and specifications for frigates--both British and American. A table on page 21 compares some British and American frigates in terms of length of gun deck, breadth, and tonnage. Want to learn about armament and sails? You can get a nice thumbnail sketch here.

Then, the story of the combatants--the sailors and the officers of these elegant warships. Brief biographies are presented for such officers as Stephen Decatur. The hi8ghlight of the book is a discussion of the fights between frigates. For instance, Constitution versus Guerriere (pages 48-54), including a sketch of the maneuvers of the two vessels.

All in all, a nice addition to Osprey's "duel" series.

A vivid analysis of combatants, ships and their battles
Osprey's fine guides to battles, wars and military history are top picks for any serious military library. Mark Lardas' CONSTITUTION VS. GUERRIERE: FRIGATES DURING THE WAR OF 1812 follows a duel between two 19th century sailing frigates, one of the most brutal clashes of arms in history where four famous frigate duels were fought. A vivid analysis of combatants, ships and their battles.

Wow
I read a book a day.This is one of the few books I say wow too.I really learned a good deal about the handling and building of this ship.Very informative and exciting.

Good introduction to the subject
Mark Lardas's "Constitution vs Guerrier: Frigates during the War of 1812" provides a good introduction to the subject, with a substantial amount of technical detail (such as armament characteristics).The four main single-ship frigate actions of the war (Constitution and Guerriere, United States and Macedonian, Constitution and Java, and Chesapeake and Shannon) are all covered in similar detail (the sidebar on whether the Chesapeake in other circumstances might have beat Shannon is a nice feature), presenting the picture that superior crews rather than merely larger ships were decisive.Although the book of course is specifically about the struggle between American and British frigates, there is much in the volume that would be of interest to a reader interested in the more general toopic of naval warfare in the Napoleonic era.As can be expected from any Osprey volume, vivid, colorful illustrations are a major part, although perhaps in this particular volume, there is less emphasis on original artwork than is usual for this publisher. ... Read more

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews (3)

She is my teacher
Dr. Heidler is a great teacher at my school. Her daily lectures are a blessing to my day. I did not read this book at all but i thought it would be a good way to express that her teaching and writing style are exceptional. Please i want atleast a B- in the class. Deuces!

Very Good
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.

Useful reference work
"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 skirmishbetween the fledging American nation and the British Empire before the twoeventually became firm allies.

The encyclopedia includes useful entriesranging from a few lines to several pages on key military and civilianleaders on both sides of the conflict, significant battles, and importantdiplomatic 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 awatershed in the development of the American nation. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1868, this history features in-depth research and interviews with veterans, illuminating the events of the war in greater detail than any previous work. It also brings to view soldiers whose deeds have been overlooked by history, but whose sacrifices will forever be remembered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

THE book.
Simply the best most defintive book on the War of 1812. You read this one then you ARE done. This is not to say that Walter Lord's DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT or the books by Donald Graves are not spectacular on their own but this book was written by someone who was practically a contemporary of the War, visited every possible site, interviewed surviving witnesses, draw wonderful and detailed woodcuts, provides autographs, maps and updates on the grounds.Perfect for researchers and excellent for those who enjoy visiting the old sites.

Lossings Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812.
This Massive 2 volume set is a must have for anyone interested in studying the events, places and people of the War of 1812 from an American and Canadian perspective. Lossing was an American historian who went from battle site to battle site throughout Canada and the United States writing the accounts of those who fought in this war and/or witnessed it first hand. He was also an artist and did many sketches of each site. Together they make this book a national treasure not to be overlooked. The story goes that on the day he finished his research down in New Orleans in 1860, the American Civil War broke out. Upon hearing the news, Mr. Lossing rushed off to document the activities. You can read all about it in Lossing Pictoral Field Book of the American Civil War. ... Read more

Product Description
A chronological overview of the events of the War of 1812, accompanied by fifteen biographies of individuals associated with the war. ... Read more

Product Description
America and the War of 1812 is a complete account of the war of 1812 in American history, with due attention to naval battles as well as land battles.It begins with the background of the war in interesting detail and covers the war itself for the majority of the book.Besides military events the book tells of the people and events of domestic matters, particularly in relation to the war. Military actions are clearly given.

As befitting the first of a series on Lincoln and his times the book gives information on the Family, birth and childhood of Lincoln in the period with information on Kentucky and the frontier.The author's narrative tells the reasons for the war being a difficult one.Unlike any general book on the war it gives all of the pertinent naval actions.The book introduces Andrew Jackson and other commanders on land and sea and the Cherokees and other Indians.Details of victories and defeats and the taking of Washington are covered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One star is a generous rating
I wanted a general introduction to the War of 1812 and I bought this book without researching other available books on the subject.The best part of this book is its attactive glossy hardcover.

The author's writing style is very poor.In fact, I found myself repeatedly reading passages trying to determine the author's meaning.For example, page 19 contains the following two paragraphs:

"Difficult times were also plaguing the settlers between the Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains.The closing of continental ports by the British blockade and excessive production by the farmers. Prices fell in New Orleans because of the glut from upriver and the lack of opportunities for sale on the continent.Many a farmer reached New Orleans to die of yellow fever or took their scant earnings over the Nachos [sic] Trace where they were robbed.
Meanwhile the exhaustive methods of the farmers created the need of new lands.The plains of the Louisiana Purchase did not yet tempt the Americans, but Canada and Spanish Florida did.American [sic] seized Baton Rouge and declared that East Florida from the Mississippi to the Perdido River now belonged to the United States.President Madison soon back them up.In all this lies the reasons for western support of war with Great Britain in the next few years."

Unfortunately, this was typical of the first 19 pages of the book, and I was so distracted trying to interpret the text, I totally lost interest in the book.Other random reading selections in this book presented the same poor writing style.

The text also included numerous mispellings and apparent typographical errors.For instance, on page 7, the author writes "...he sailed through college and went to Litcihfield's [sic] law school." Three sentences later, he properly spells the name as "Litchfield". Such errors also created the overpowering impression that I could not trust the acuracy of his presentation of the historical events.

In conclusion, I would not recommend paying one tenth of the suggested ... price printed on the back cover.It would have been very helpful if I could have previewed some of the pages before making the decision to purchase this book.... ... Read more

Product Description

The schooner Nancy, legendary vessel of Great Lakes and Canadian history, lived a thousand lives in a noted career that began in Detroit and ended in a fiery explosion in Nottawasaga River in the last year of the War of 1812.

This dramatic, soundly researched narrative depicts the reality of the men who sailed her while fighting a gritty war. Carrying the war to the enemy in hazardous ways, they fought against a powerful American foe, using stealth and daring to maintain the besieged Canadian position in the last armed struggle for the heartland of North America. The loss of the Nancy inspired generations to regard her as a symbol of devotion to king and country.

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Souls of the Past Reawakened!
I am absolutely delighted with Mr. Antal's book "A Wampum Denied."This book attracts the many interests embodied within me: The "historian" with a desire to research and learn about events of thepast.The "war enthusiast" with a lust for battle, tactics, and strategy. The "reader enthusiast" who rejoices as a well-written narrative comes tolife before his eyes.The "student of management" who analyzes theleadership styles and skills of historical leaders to translate intoeffective leadership for today.

Mr. Antal presents the events surroundingColonel Henry Proctor in a thorough, thoughtful, and objective manner.AsI read "A Wampum Denied", I was able to understand the manypsychological, logistical, and personality challenges that becamesignificantly influential in both the failures and the successes of ColonelProctor as he coordinated his military leadership between elements of theBritish Right Division, the Canadian Militia, and the Indian confederacy. I gained tremendous insight into the "unseen battles" faced byColonel Proctor, such as cultural concerns of the Canadian citizens and theFrench Canadien settlers in Michigan; increasing logistical and strategicpressures from the Native Americans under his charge; and especially thepolitical and strategic dichotomy between Colonel Proctor and his superiorofficers (with the exception of Major General Isaac Brock).

As aresearcher, I truly appreciate the thoroughness of Mr. Antal's own researchfor his book "A Wampum Denied" and the detailed bibliography andnotes found within.In my opinion, Mr. Antal was able to take the findingsof his extremely comprehensive and exhaustive research and present hisinformation in a delightful narrative that flows smoothly from beginning toend in rich detail.(The illustrations are exceptional!)

Mr. Antal'sbook "A Wampum Denied" increased my understanding and awarenessof the important events that helped to shape the future of the Detroitfrontier and has become a permanent addition within my library.

I highlyrecommend "A Wampum Denied: Proctor's War of 1812", by Mr. SandyAntal, for anyone who enjoys reading an exciting story for enrichment,entertainment, or both.You will not be disappointed in the added valueyou will receive.

A great book about war in the Old Northwest!
Sandy Antal's book is a superb revisionist study of Major General Henry Procter's defense of Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Unlike most historians, Antal presents Henry Procter as having been a resourceful,intelligent, and daring military leader who provided an excellent defenseof Canada despite overwhelming disadvantages. Antal also provides ampleevidence that Procter based his military activities on a strategic plan ofcreating a Native American buffer state to preserve British interests inthe North American West.

Antal's writing style makes for a smooth andentertaining read. The book is also interesting because it is not abiography of Procter or a traditional campaign history book. Instead, Antalwrites about the war by examining the perspectives of all the differenttypes of participants; soldiers, Native Americans, politicians, and localcitizens. Antal also explains the socio-economic and ethnic environment inwhich the war took place. Major General Procter is always at the center ofdiscussion, but Antal's approach provides a broad understanding ofProcter's circumstances during the war.

The real strength of Antal'sargument involves the use of compelling primary source evidence. Theletters written by Issac Brock, for example,indicate that Procter oughtbe credited for preparing the Canadian conquest of the Michigan Territory.The evidence portrays Procter as an extremely credible soldier who wasneglected by his superiors during the war. Antal's evidence also provides acompelling argument that Procter fully supported the Native American cause.Antal even provides evidence that Procter admired Tecumseh of the Shawnees.This idea is completely new among scholars and historical fictionwriters.

Scholars and avocational readers who are primarily interested inNative American history, however, may be disappointed with Antal'sapproach. Unlike most books written in the last ten years on the subject,Antal's book does not glorify Tecumseh or his cause. Instead, Antalconsiders the issues of other Native American leaders on an equal levelwith Tecumseh. Consequently, readers learn about Tecumseh's influentiallimitations from both Procter's perspective and that of other triballeaders such as the Wyandotte chief Walk in the Water.

The end result isa world in which Henry Procter constantly struggles to fight despite havingunreliable Native American and militia support for his small, sick, andstarving army. Antal's telling of the story makes every one of Procter'ssuccesses seem like a spectacular and miraculous victory. Procter's failureappears to have been nothing short of inevitable. This book ought to readby all those interested in the War of 1812 and the Old Northwest.

A ground-breaking study, a must for 1812 scholars!
Sandy Antal has successfully presented a new analysis and insight into the events of the war for the old northwest during the War of 1812.Particularly noteworthy, is his illumination of the reputation of HenryProcter, a leader much aligned in the past for British failure in thetheater.What Antal demonstrates, is that Procter's case was never fairlyor objectively presented, both by American, but more importantly, byCanadian historians.Procter's actions, motives and reputation have beenshrouded by a veil of misinterpretation, merely because the facts wereunknown, unavailable, or ignored.Antal does much not only to saveProcter's reputation, but to reassess British war aims, strategy and theAnglo-Native alliance.He has provided many pieces that have been missingto the puzzle of the events of the War of 1812.With those pieces,historians will have to reassess long-held beliefs regarding the campaignsin Michigan, Ohio, and Upper Canada.Antal also provides an "insideview" of the British and Canadian forces previously unavailable.Ofparticular note is his order of battle information and biographicalnotations of key leaders and participants. This volume is an heir toGilpins' "War of 1812 in the Old Northwest" and Stanley's"War of 1812 Land Operations" as an accurate and well writtenbook of the campaign in the wilderness.A must have for 1812 historians! ... Read more

Product Description
William James wrote his "Naval Occurrences of the War of 1812" to counter the bombastic, patriotic and false version of the war put forward by American authors. To free the war from 'American dross', James used his legal mind to pick through a wealth of evidence and came to the conclusion that 'no American ship of war has, after all, captured a British ship of the same force'. Many of his more controversial and vociferous passages were trimmed and toned down for his later, 6-volume epic work on the history of the Royal Navy. Only by reading this work can readers appreciate the full force of his argument. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1814, the final year of the War of 1812, Britain mounted a massive seaborne assault against the United States. The British burned Washington, forcing President Madison and his cabinet to flee, but the Americans succeeded in fending off an assault on Baltimore (commemorated in the words of the American National Anthem). By the end of 1812 the British had sailed southward to launch a bold attack on New Orleans, which was defeated by the Americans under the inspired leadership of Andrew Jackson.Reilly's account of the Battle of New Orleans and the events that led up to it was first published to great acclaim in 1974. It is still regarded by many experts as unsurpassed. This is the first paperback edition. The text has been reset and the maps redrawn, and there are more pictures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Read....
I just finsihed this book and is the one of the best I have read on the subject. Throughly researched and accurate, well written the only real issue is some of Mr.Reilly's thoughts conserning the Laffite brothers and their sordid compatriots...skip those sections and read William C. Davis "The Pirates Laffite", but excellent treatment on the battle and the politics sorrounding it.

Outstanding
This is indeed the superior history of the Battle of New Orleans and is especially valuable for the analysis of the
political stakes.In short, the British had every intention of adding this city to their collection of overseas naval bases (which
eventually included Gibraltar, Capetown, Hong Kong and a failed
attempt at Toulon) and had worded the peace treaty to permit this, had they succeeded in its capture. The modern claim that the battle was meaningless because it took place in the month after the signing of the treaty, is not correct.

Good Analysis of War of 1812 AND Battle of New Orleans
To win the battle, but lose the war is an apt cliche for the Americans regarding the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812.Despite the title, this book is about more than the Battle of New Orleans and spends significant time discussing the causes of the War of 1812, the major battles of the war and the peace negotiations.(In fact, Reilly doesn't begin to address the Battle of New Orleans until page 171 in a book of 371 pages of text.)The book does several things well.It assesses dispassionately the role of military and political leadership in crucial events and battles of the War.The essential role of generalship and statesmanship in these affairs is one of the sub-themes of the work.Reilly demonstrates well the crucial relationship between the events and strategies of the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars of Europe.Unlike many military histories, this book demonstrates why particular tactics were or were not sensible.Finally, it debunks legends and sometimes conventional wisdom about the war and battle with the use of the contemporary papers, diaries and court-martial records. ... Read more

Product Description
Covers the period leading up to the war (1803-1812) and the events of the war itself (1812-1815), the chronology lays out the war. The dictionary includes more than 1,400 dictionary entries covering descriptions of engagements, explanations of weaponry, the compositions of regiments, major figures and a full list of key places, issues and terms. Also included are 21 photographs and 6 maps. ... Read more