1812 - by Walter R Borneman (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Without question this is the best popular account of the last war fought between the United States and Great Britain. . . . In a gripping narrative the author not only explains the importance of the War of 1812 but vividly recreates its exciting land and sea battles." --Robert V. Remini, author of The Life of Andrew Jackson

Although frequently overlooked between the American Revolution and the Civil War, the War of 1812 tested a rising generation of American leaders; unified the United States with a renewed sense of national purpose; and set the stage for westward expansion from Mackinac Island to the Gulf of Mexico. USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," proved the mettle of the fledgling American navy; Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a flag boasting, "Don't Give Up the Ship"; and Andrew Jackson's ragged force stood behind it's cotton bales at New Orleans and bested the pride of British regulars.

Here are the stories of commanding generals such as America's double-dealing James Wilkinson, Great Britain's gallant Sir Isaac Brock, Canada's heroine farm wife Laura Secord, and country doctor William Beanes, whose capture set the stage for Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." During the War of 1812, the United States cast off its cloak of colonial adolescence and--with both humiliating and glorious moments--found the fire that was to forge a nation.

From the Back Cover

Although frequently overlooked between the American Revolution and the Civil War, the War of 1812 tested a rising generation of American leaders; unified the United States with a renewed sense of national purpose; and set the stage for westward expansion from Mackinac Island to the Gulf of Mexico. USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," proved the mettle of the fledgling American navy; Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a flag boasting, "Don't Give Up the Ship"; and Andrew Jackson's ragged force stood behind it's cotton bales at New Orleans and bested the pride of British regulars. Here are the stories of commanding generals such as America's double-dealing James Wilkinson, Great Britain's gallant Sir Isaac Brock, Canada's heroine farm wife Laura Secord, and country doctor William Beanes, whose capture set the stage for Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." During the War of 1812, the United States cast off its cloak of colonial adolescence and -- with both humiliating and glorious moments -- found the fire that was to forge a nation.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Review Quotes

"Without question this is the best popular account of the last war fought between the United States and Great Britain that is little known by Americans today. In a gripping narrative the author not only explains the importance of the War of 1812 but vividly recreates its exciting land and sea battles, concluding with the stunning victory won by a rag-tag American army in New Orleans." -- Robert V. Remini, author of The Life of Andrew Jackson

"Colorful and replete with anecdotes of those who became famous: Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who won Lake Eerie; David Farragut, who would later damn the torpedoes at Mobile Bay; President Madison, who had declared war on Britain." -- Peter Worthington, Wall Street Journal

"A lively narrator and explainer of war fought with muskets and sailing ships, Borneman will be welcomed by military-history readers." -- Booklist

"A solid performance. . . placing key events in a larger perspective without playing down the vast stupidity of many of the participants." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Thoroughly readable. . . . Even the annotation and bibliography of this sound introduction will propel those whose curiosity is piqued to read further in all directions." -- Publishers Weekly