This compact history of the war attempts to separate myth from reality.
Professor Coles narrates the main operations on both land and sea of the
three-year struggle. He examines the conflict from the British (and
Canadian) as well as the American point of view, relating events in
America to the larger war going on in Europe.
A balanced analysis of tactics and strategy, this book also summarizes
succinctly and clearly recent scholarship on causes and describes
briefly the war's military, economic, and political consequences. Coles
has surveyed thoroughly the existing literature but arrives at a number
of independent judgments. It is the best single-volume account of the
war in all its aspects. In recounting sea battles, Coles puts aside the
patriotic blinders that have for so long prevented a sensible
understanding of American capabilities and strategic necessities; thus
American naval victories are put in a proper perspective. And in dealing
with land engagements, he has shunned the mocking and amused attitude
which has so often passed for historical judgment. Undergraduates will
be stimulated by the hints of modern parallels and will find useful the
excellent annotated bibliography and simple maps.--Choice