War of 1812

From Booklist
Who needs a book on the War of 1812? It's sometimes called "The Forgotten War," about which most libraries have enough material in encyclopedias and other U.S. history reference works. However, this volume is full of information not found in more general sources. Much of the text is accompanied by material taken directly from primary source documents (papers and letters), adding interest and context in an attractive and inviting typical UXL format. The author has written several other well-researched nonfiction titles.The purpose of the work is to provide "students with a clear understanding of the issues . . . as well as the motivations" behind the war. Text is arranged in two sections: the "Almanac," consisting of six chronological sections, and "Biographies," covering individuals from Isaac Brock to William Weatherford. Every chapter lists books and Web sites for more information. There are lots of useful see references in the text and a thorough index at the end. Extra features found at the front of the volume are research and activity ideas that seem more appropriate for a teacher's guide as well as a glossary and time line.Readable text and excellent illustrations (many maps and National Archives photos) make this useful for public and school library collections from upper elementary through high school. For the high-school level and up, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 (ABC-CLIO, 1997) is a good choice. RBB
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Card catalog description
A chronological overview of the events of the War of 1812, accompanied by fifteen biographies of individuals associated with the war.


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Students researching the War of 1812 can focus on specific events and individuals or read a chronological account of the war using this reference. The first section defines unfamiliar vocabulary and provides a time line. Two pages of suggestions for teachers and students about projects and research follow. The central Almanac section recounts events in the regions related to the war, from Quebec to Detroit, New Orleans, Florida, and the high seas, with good inclusion of the British players. The easy chapters could stand alone; an identical first paragraph sets up each. Side boxes of information about persons or subjects add to the text. The final section contains biographies of fifteen persons in the United States who played an important part in the war, including Tecumseh, generals, and future presidents. Booklists and Web sites follow each chapter and each biographical entry, with more at the end. The book has no listed resources, and one must assume that the titles referred to in the chapters are those that have been used. Inaccurately, black-and-white images throughout the book are labeled "photographs" with their reproduction source cited. Some of the images have historical significance, but there are no further references to them that would indicate their origin. Only two maps are included for specific topics, a definite flaw in a book that describes a war that ranged over half the North American continent and much of the Atlantic and involved several nations. Supporting maps need to be supplied. This reference is a fine recounting but not a complete one. Glossary. Index. Illus. Further Reading. Chronology. 2002, UXL/Cheryl McDonald, 337p. PLB


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