Publisher's Weekly Review
One of the lesser-known wars in American history, the War of 1812 has become the basis of a comprehensive PBS miniseries that explores the war's causes, implications, and relevance to America as a young nation. The companion guide presents a detailed examination of important battlefields, pivotal characters, and historic sites, such as Niagara, Washington D.C. and New Orleans. What makes this reference guide so invaluable is the even-handed way in which Grant (Great American Rail Journeys) and Jones (Lighthouse Encyclopedia) represent the perspectives and stakes of all the involved parties, and it offers a reasonably unbiased view of the war's outcomes and consequences. The writing is clear, concise, and extremely informative, and readers interested in history will find this fascinating and useful. It stands alone as a resource as easily as it will complement the television series. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
Grant, executive producer of the companion two-hour PBS documentary premiering this month, and Jones (The Lighthouse Encyclopedia) divide this large-format paperback chronologically by theaters of war: the Northwestern, Niagara, Ontario, St. Lawrence/Champlain, Northeastern, Chesapeake, and Southern theater. A lengthy introduction sets the stage, discussing events leading up to the declaration of war, such as Royal Navy impressment of American sailors and merchantmen and clashes with Native American tribes in Illinois and Indiana territories. The chapters then narrate the conflict as it unfolded, copiously illustrating principal battle sites on land, sea, and lake. A running section throughout, "What You'll See Today," discusses memorials, museums, reconstructed forts, and marked battlefields for those wishing to visit war sites. VERDICT With its accessible narrative and color illustrations, both historical and photographic, this will bring the conflict to life for all readers. Highly recommended.-D.L.P. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
