The War of 1812

A Forgotten Conflict, Bicentennial Edition

By: Donald R Hickey

Narrated by: Douglas R. Pratt

Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

This comprehensive and authoritative history of the War of 1812, thoroughly revised for the 200th anniversary of the historic conflict, is a myth-shattering study that will inform and entertain students, historians, and general listeners alike.

Donald R. Hickey explores the military, diplomatic, and domestic history of our second war with Great Britain, bringing the study up to date with recent scholarship on all aspects of the war, from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. The newly expanded The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict, Bicentennial Edition includes additional information on the British forces, American Indians, and military operations - such as the importance of logistics and the use and capabilities of weaponry.

Hickey explains how the war promoted American nationalism and manifest destiny, stimulated peacetime defense spending, and enhanced America's reputation abroad. He also shows that the war sparked bloody conflicts between pro-war Republican and anti-war Federalist neighbors, dealt a crippling blow to American Indians, and solidified the United States's antipathy toward the British.

©2012 Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (P)2013 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A well-researched and extensively documented overview of the causes and consequences of the War of 1812. Highly recommended as an inclusive political, military, and social treatment of a customarily neglected war." ( American Library Association Booklist)

"Despite being forgotten and overlooked, the War of 1812 was a significant milestone in the development of the United States... there is no better place to start than with The War of 1812." ( Civil War News)

"The definitive study." ( Journal of American History)

More economics and politics than battles

Although the War of 1812 was technically a draw, it was a transition from infant nation to a child that was getting ready for adolescence.
I would have enjoyed a bit more about the personalities; leaders in the ships in the field of battle.
A bit more about the supporting cast of the Indians and Canadians would have been interesting.

The War of 1812

The subject matter was very interesting and the author has accumulated a tremendous amount of previously unknown information. To this he adds great insight acquired through his studies. However, the dryness of the presentation detracted greatly from my enjoyment. This was partly due to the manuscript itself, but was exacerbated by the reader's presentation style. It was at times painful to listen to, but as I was interested in the subject, perseverance ultimately got me through it.

I did not like the reader

I didn't like the reader. I thought the content was interesting, but it was hard to listen to this book.

A disjointed and out of order history of the War of 1812z

I rather liked the book, being interested in the war of 1812, but the reader is rather monotone and boring, and the way the author presents information is poor in my opinion. The author, instead of chronologically, discusses the war based on different topics on a year to year basis. I feel the book could have been presented in a much better manner than the disjointed one that currently exists, it feels more like a collection of articles rather than a book.

Too detailed for an audio book

Cut out all the weights, measures and exchange rates and this would be a much better audio book. The reading also seemed rushed.

Narrator is awful

The narrator sounds like they brought in a third tier news anchor from a small northern Michigan TV station. His pacing and pauses are bizarre and distracting to the point that you can’t follow the book. The book itself is probably adequate but it’s hard to tell.

A very thorough history of the War of 1812

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if they were interested in US history. The book is a very detailed account of a little researched war.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The War of 1812?

The burning of Washington DC.

What about Douglas R. Pratt’s performance did you like?

His voice seem to fit the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not an extreme reaction, but it did raise an interest in me to do more reading on this era in US history.

The War of 1812 fascinating listening

If you could sum up The War of 1812 in three words, what would they be?

It ended before the last battle
If England was not fighting Napoleon, we might all be speaking English now

Who was your favorite character and why?

Winfield Scott
Captured, shot

Which scene was your favorite?

When the troop went over the niagra in barrels

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cried because I couldnt sleep

Any additional comments?

It's really an excellent book

Reader

The reader/presenter of the book reads it like a college professor. No emotion or a change in tone. Sort of like the ghost who taught history in the Harry Potter Books!

it was like reading a dry history book

if i had been reading this i would not have finished it. listening was hard enough.