Historical Dictionary of the War of 1812 (Volume 31) (Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution, and Civil Unrest, 31) - Hardcover

Malcomson, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810854996 ISBN 13: 9780810854994

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2006

Synopsis

The War of 1812 was an extremely complicated war motivated by British seizures of American vessels and goods, American desire to expand into Canada, and impressment of American sailors into the British Navy. However, these are merely the immediate causes. To fully understand the War of 1812, one must delve deeper into history.

This book does just that, as it covers the period leading up to the war (1803-1812) and the events of the war itself (1812-1815) through the use of a dictionary consisting of more than 1,400 cross-referenced entries covering descriptions of engagements, ships, weaponry, the compositions of regiments, significant political and military figures, and a full list of key places, issues and terms. Also included are 21 photographs, 6 maps, a chronology of events, an introductory essay, and a comprehensive bibliography, subdivided by topic and fully annotated.

About this title

About the Author

The late Robert Malcomson retired after 33 years as an elementary school teacher. He was a freelance research writer who specializes in the naval and military history of the War of 1812.

Review

This work is extremely useful and highly recommended for all types and levels of libraries. (American Reference Books Annual, vol. 38 (2007))

...a comprehensive, even-handed, and reliable introductory guide to the War of 1812. Even American readers with some specialized knowledge of the subject will find much of value in the volume, especially when they are seeking information about many of the Canadian aspects of the conflict. (The Journal Of Military History)

Recommended. (CHOICE)

...a handy and useful reference guide to the war....well researched, finely presented and extremely useful....for those interested in this period or in the War of 1812, the Historical Dictionary of the War of 1812 is a necessary addition to your library. (Canadian Defense Quarterly)

Malcomson's Dictionary will facilitate further inquiry into these understudied areas because it provides a worthy blueprint for understanding the War of 1812. (International Journal of Maritime History, Volume XVIII, No. 2 (December 2006))

Although the War of 1812 has all but disappeared from American history, it involved controversial diplomatic maneuvering and exciting encounters on land and at sea, many of which are described in detail in this dictionary. Other entries cover political and military figures; ships and weaponry; and the roles of the British, Canadians, Native Americans, and the fledgling United States. Malcomson, a former elementary school teacher and writer specializing in the War of 1812, presents an overview of the war in his introduction and provides a chronology of significant events and an extensive bibliography. (Reference and Research Book News)

This book will prove a useful addition to a series whose title suggests, alas, that its publishers will never have a difficulty in finding ideas for additional volumes. (Reference Reviews, Vol. 21, No. 2 (2007))

...an indispensable reference work....The content reaches a high standard of quality and the book's layout is first-rate. (The American Review Of Canadian Studies, Vol. 37, No. 2, Summer 2007)

This dictionary is an essential scholarly reference of the War of 1812....a comprehensive and balanced treatment of the war...a powerful research tool of enduring value. (H-War, July 2006)

Edition details

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0810854996
• ISBN 13: 9780810854994
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 768