The War of 1812: A Guide to Battlefields and Historic Sites

One of the lesser-known wars in American history, the War of 1812 has become the basis of a comprehensive PBS miniseries that explores the war's causes, implications, and relevance to America as a young nation. The companion guide presents a detailed examination of important battlefields, pivotal characters, and historic sites, such as Niagara, Washington D.C. and New Orleans. What makes this reference guide so invaluable is the even-handed way in which Grant (Great American Rail Journeys) and Jones (Lighthouse Encyclopedia) represent the perspectives and stakes of all the involved parties, and it offers a reasonably unbiased view of the war's outcomes and consequences. The writing is clear, concise, and extremely informative, and readers interested in history will find this fascinating and useful. It stands alone as a resource as easily as it will complement the television series. (Oct.)