Jon Latimer is the author of several books on military history, including Alamein (Harvard).
any books have been written about the War of 1812 in the last few
years, but none quite like Jon Latimer's "1812: War with America."
The author of histories of British arms in the Burma and North
African campaigns in World War II, Latimer has written the first
book on the the War of 1812 from the British perspective since
nearly two centuries ago. The result is a thorough and elegantly
written account that squarely places the conflict in the context of
the Napoleonic Wars..."1812: War with America" covers all aspects
of the conflict, including diplomacy, finances, atrocities
perpetrated by and against the Indians, the naval campaigns at sea
and on the Great Lakes, and the land campaigns in the Old
Northwest, the South, and Canada...With wit and pathos, [Latimer]
has drawn wonderful capsule sketches of the participants, and his
staggering research as led to illuminating first-hand accounts of
marches and battles from leading generals to lowly
sergeants..."1812: War with America" is a de
[Latimer] is particularly good at establishing the complicated
connections between the negotiations that ended the war in America
and the wider European peace settlement.--Stephen Conway"Times
Literary Supplement" (03/07/2008)
In this welcome British perspective to the canon of research on the
War of 1812, Latimer convincingly debunks the popular myth that
this was a second war of independence and a total victory for the
United States...The financial deficiencies, administrative mishaps,
and military mistakes on both sides are examined in thorough
detail, making for a balanced and enlightening account.--Douglas
King"Library Journal" (09/01/2007)
Latimer promises and delivers a comprehensive investigation of the
War of 1812 from a British perspective. What Latimer has provided
is a densely detailed and balanced study. He examines the issues
from the perspectives of all participants: Americans, Britons,
Canadians, and Indians. His approach is broad, weaving political,
diplomatic, financial, social, military, and naval activities into
a coherent whole. His work is buttressed by the skillful use of the
best scholarship and is further supported by extensive personal
accounts of the participants which contribute to an already
engaging style.--Richard V. Barbuto"Journal of Military History"
(04/01/2008)
Of all the books I've consumed on the War of 1812, Jon Latimer's
"1812: War with America" has got to be the best...It is the most
comprehensive narrative of the war you're likely to find.--Hans
Werner"Toronto Star" (11/11/2007)
The history of the war has been written mainly by Americans. Jon
Latimer has now provided a full account, mainly from the British
standpoint and often using British sources hitherto disregarded by
American historians. It is a very credible effort and a substantial
volume...The fact is the war of 1812, which Latimer describes so
well, taught both Britain and America that war between them was
futile and shameful.--Paul Johnson"Literary Review"
(10/01/2007)
This insightful and comprehensive study of the War of 1812 is
particularly valuable because it presents that conflict from the
perspective of America's enemy. Latimer's British point of view--in
which he sees the war as a subset of the war wit Napoleon, rather
tha as the separate conflict we often view it as--may not be wholly
appreciated by U.S. readers. But this impressively researched and
well-written account is a fascinating revelation that serves as an
excellent mirror in which to study ourselves.--Thomas J.
Cutler"Proceedings" (05/01/2008)
This is a history of the War of 1812 written from the British
perspective, using the personal letters, diaries, and memoirs of
the generals, admirals, politicians, plus the ordinary soldiers,
seamen, and civilians caught up in the conflict. It is a
comprehensive and fast-paced narrative that brings the conflict
vividly to life, from its causes than emanated from the Napoleonic
War in Europe, to the conclusion of peace in 1814..."1812: War with
America" is a comprehensible and very readable account of the
conflict. By examining the story from the British perspective, the
author places the war within its global context as perceived by
Great Britain at the time. As such, it is a very valuable addition
to any library on this subject.--Paul Chamberlain "First Empire
"
An exhaustive reassessment of a war neither side really won.
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