Encyclopedia of the War of 1812
- Book Review,
by Naval Institute Press, et al
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 UpAThis alphabetically arranged encyclopedia contains more than 500 entries. Each essay is signed and includes-cross references and a list for further reading. Black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and maps complement the text. Three appendixes include: Tables of the Congressional War Vote; Executive Officers of the Federal Government during the Madison Presidency; and documents such as The Berlin Decree of 1806, British Order in Council of 1807, Milan Decree of 1807, and President James Madison's War Message of 1812. A daily chronology begins in May 1805 and lists political, diplomatic, or military action through 1815. The book concludes with a 24-page bibliography and a detailed index. Even though this book was prepared for American audiences, the many historical views of the war are fairly and judiciously reported. An excellent and important source for all libraries.AMarsha S. Holden, Lincolnwood Public Library, ILCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The Heidlers (Old Hickory's War: Andrew Jackson and the Quest for Empire, Stackpole, 1996) have edited an excellent reference work on the major event of the early national period, the War of 1812. Arranged in alphabetical order, their encyclopedia contains more than 500 entries by some 70 authors, including leading authorities on the war such as Donald Hickey. Although all the military engagements are covered, this thorough and comprehensive book also treats such topics as African Americans, the Federalist Party, and naval medicine. Also included are nearly two dozen pages of maps, a broad introductory overview of the war, and an up-to-date bibliography that includes such 1997 titles as Paul Nagel's biography of John Quincy Adams (LJ 10/1/97). This handsomely produced and easy-to-use book is fully indexed, with a special section of important documents. Most libraries will want to have it on hand.?Stephen G. Weisner, Springfield Technical Community Coll., MACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
The War of 1812 is an understudied but pivotal crisis in American history. Although a number of monographs have been written on the subject, this is the first encyclopedia to cover the people, battles, events, and outcomes on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The ambivalence of some Americans and the patriotic fervor are recounted, as well as how little Europeans knew or cared about the conflict, because Napoleon held center stage at the time.Maps of key locations and battles precede the entries. Arrangement is alphabetical. Each entry is signed, although there is no information about the credentials or affiliations of some of the contributors. Appendixes include the results of the vote of the 12th Congress Vote on the Declaration of War, a list of the executive officers of the federal government during the Madison presidency, and key documents, including the Berlin Decree, which proclaimed the Continental Blockade in 1806, and the Treaty of Ghent, which brought the war to a close. An extensive chronology, a brief glossary, and a lengthy bibliography round out the work. The index is adequate, although having the main entry indicated by bold type or italics would save time for the user.The entries vary in size from one paragraph to several pages based on the relative importance of the topic. Many conclude with see also references and brief lists of further readings. A number of entries are accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. All the key individuals, from Lord Castlereagh to Andrew Jackson, are covered. Minor figures in the war, but important individuals in history, such as Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, are included. There are also entries for battles, documents, events, forts, and locations, as well as for broader topics, such as artillery and medicine, naval. The work is not free of factual errors. For example, the entry Louisiana states that New Orleans, founded in 1718, was the first successful settlement in Louisiana. In fact, Natchitoches, founded in 1714, was the first and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.This work is useful, despite its flaws, for anyone trying to locate basic information on the War of 1812. The straightforward organization and useful appendixes and maps provide a treasure trove of information on this watershed in U.S. history. The encyclopedia would be useful in academic, public, and high-school libraries.
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