A conflict examined: Recent books on the War of 1812
Bicentennial events for the War of 1812 are already underway, and Canada’s History magazine is publishing a series of feature-length articles. Here we present a selection of currently available books for those who would like to explore the conflict in even greater detail.
The titles listed below examine topics ranging from recognized heroes such as Tecumseh, Laura Secord, and Isaac Brock to the sacking of York (now Toronto), naval skirmishes, and everyday life during the war. Some provide wide-ranging overviews of the conflict.
Many of these books have already been reviewed in Canada’s History magazine or included among our website’s Featured Titles listings, while reviews of other titles are in progress. We hope you find something to suit your interests!
Recently reviewed in Canada’s History magazine
A Neighbourly War: New Brunswick and the War of 1812
by Robert L. Dallison
Four Wars of 1812: One War, Four Perspectives
by D. Peter Macleod
The War of 1812: Conflict for a Continent
by J.C.A. Stagg
Tecumseh and Brock: The War of 1812
by James Laxer
A Matter of Honour: The Life, Campaigns and Generalship of Isaac Brock
by Jonathon Riley
The Astonishing General: The Life and Legacy of Sir Isaac Brock
by Wesley B. Turner
1812: The Navy’s War
by George C. Daughan
Battle for the Bay: The Naval War of 1812
by Joshua M. Smith
The Civil War of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, & Indian Allies
by Alan Taylor
Niagara 1814: The Final Invasion
by Jon Latimer
Strange Fatality: The Battle of Stoney Creek, 1813
by James E. Elliott
Capital in Flames: The American Attack on York, 1813
by Robert Malcomson
More recently released War of 1812 titles
The Pendulum of War: The Fight for Upper Canada, January–June 1813
by Richard Feltoe
An Unfinished War: War of 1812 Poetry & Prose
Edited by John B. Lee
Laura Secord: Heroine of the War of 1812
by Peggy Dymond Leavey
Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: Everyday Life in Upper Canada, 1812–1814
by Dorothy Duncan
The War of 1812: A Guide to Battlefields and Historic Sites
by John Grant and Ray Jones
Forts of the War of 1812
by René Chartrand
The Weight of Vengeance: The United States, the British Empire, and the War of 1812
by Troy Bickham
Canada on Fire: The War of 1812
by Jennifer Crump
Reprinted for the war’s bicentennial
British Generals in the War of 1812: High Command in the Canadas
by Wesley B. Turner
Pierre Berton’s War of 1812
by Pierre Berton
A Wampum Denied: Procter’s War of 1812
by Sandy Antal