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The War of
1812 Against
the States
Heroes of a Great
Canadian Victory
Reviewed by Todd Humber
I picked up this softcover book on a
recent trip to the Canadian War Museum
in Ottawa. This book is part of the
"Amazing Stories" series by Altitude
Publishing.
This book weighs in at about 130 pages.
There's nothing really new or noteworthy
in Jennifer Crump's text on the war, but it
provides a great overview, particularly for
a novice historian. It's target audience, of
course, seems to be young students.
Crump's writing style is engaging and
refeshing. The information isn't new or
earth shattering for a seasoned historian,
but her writing style flows well. Don't get
me wrong, her writing lacks the flair of
Pierre Berton. But, really, is it fair to
compare any historical writer to Berton
when it comes to writing style? I think
not. But this book certainly stands on its
own, and is a welcome addition to the
wealth of work on the War of 1812.
1812 Against
the States
Heroes of a Great
Canadian Victory
Reviewed by Todd Humber
I picked up this softcover book on a
recent trip to the Canadian War Museum
in Ottawa. This book is part of the
"Amazing Stories" series by Altitude
Publishing.
This book weighs in at about 130 pages.
There's nothing really new or noteworthy
in Jennifer Crump's text on the war, but it
provides a great overview, particularly for
a novice historian. It's target audience, of
course, seems to be young students.
Crump's writing style is engaging and
refeshing. The information isn't new or
earth shattering for a seasoned historian,
but her writing style flows well. Don't get
me wrong, her writing lacks the flair of
Pierre Berton. But, really, is it fair to
compare any historical writer to Berton
when it comes to writing style? I think
not. But this book certainly stands on its
own, and is a welcome addition to the
wealth of work on the War of 1812.
What is great about this book is the way it's set up. It contains
separate chapters on General Brock, James Fitzgibbon, Tecumseh,
Charles-Michel de Salaberry and William Hamilton Merritt. Each of
the chapters provides in-depth information on the notable figures
from the war.
It's also got a nice chronology of events at the back of the book — a
great quick reference.
I'd recommend picking up this book to add to your collection. It's a
quick, fun read. It's cheap. And it makes a great gift for a young
history buff.
Selected passage
The following text is excerpted from Crump's book. This is how she
describes Brock's death at Queenston Heights on Oct. 13, 1812.
Brock was not a man to hesitate. With typical bravado, he mounted
his horse and galloped through the village. He rallied some 200
soldiers, and an equal number of weary, dazed local militia — men
he was now proud to lead. "Follow me boys," he yelled as he
thundered toward the base of the ridge, where he took cover behind
a wall. "Take a breath," he shouted a moment later, "you'll need it in
a few moments."
The soldiers cheered.
Before the cheers had died away, Brock charged up the hill. His
soldiers struggled to keep up on the slippery footing of wet leaves.
No one was close enough to their general to urge him to slow down
and take cover among them. Once again, Brock was an easy target.
This time, he took a bullet in the wrist. The wound slowed him down,
but he pressed on, waving his sword.
On the heights above them, the Americans had fanned out. Hidden
among the trees and foilage, they continued firing their muskets at
the British and Canadian soldiers as they crested the hill. Many
bullets found their mark. One found Brock. "Are you much hurt, Sir?"
one of the militiamen asked anxiously. Brock did not reply. With his
hand clutching his chest, he sank to the ground. The bullet had
pierced his heart — he died instantly.
The stunned soliders crowded around their fallen leader, barely able
to grasp that Brock, a man who seemed invincible, was dead. Mud
splattered his face, and blood soaked his jacket and the beaded
sash. He no longer looked like the elegant general they knew; but
he was not diminished in their eyes. As they stood rooted to the
ground, a cannon ball sliced one of the men in two and the corpse
fell on Brock's body. This prompted the horrified soldiers into action.
They retreated, carrying their general's body back down the hill.
Even in death, Brock was victorious. His demise spurred on both the
British and Canadian soldiers, who were now determined to avenge
their fallen hero.
About the author
Jennifer Crump is a freelance journalist and author whose work has
appeared in numerous North American magazines, including
Reader's Digest, Canadian Geographic and Today'S Parent. She is
also the author of a guidebook on the City of Toronto. When she's
not writing, she is reading. History, particularly Canadian history, is a
long-time passion. A former resident of the southern part of Upper
Canada, Jennifer now lives with her family in the northwest part of
the province.
separate chapters on General Brock, James Fitzgibbon, Tecumseh,
Charles-Michel de Salaberry and William Hamilton Merritt. Each of
the chapters provides in-depth information on the notable figures
from the war.
It's also got a nice chronology of events at the back of the book — a
great quick reference.
I'd recommend picking up this book to add to your collection. It's a
quick, fun read. It's cheap. And it makes a great gift for a young
history buff.
Selected passage
The following text is excerpted from Crump's book. This is how she
describes Brock's death at Queenston Heights on Oct. 13, 1812.
Brock was not a man to hesitate. With typical bravado, he mounted
his horse and galloped through the village. He rallied some 200
soldiers, and an equal number of weary, dazed local militia — men
he was now proud to lead. "Follow me boys," he yelled as he
thundered toward the base of the ridge, where he took cover behind
a wall. "Take a breath," he shouted a moment later, "you'll need it in
a few moments."
The soldiers cheered.
Before the cheers had died away, Brock charged up the hill. His
soldiers struggled to keep up on the slippery footing of wet leaves.
No one was close enough to their general to urge him to slow down
and take cover among them. Once again, Brock was an easy target.
This time, he took a bullet in the wrist. The wound slowed him down,
but he pressed on, waving his sword.
On the heights above them, the Americans had fanned out. Hidden
among the trees and foilage, they continued firing their muskets at
the British and Canadian soldiers as they crested the hill. Many
bullets found their mark. One found Brock. "Are you much hurt, Sir?"
one of the militiamen asked anxiously. Brock did not reply. With his
hand clutching his chest, he sank to the ground. The bullet had
pierced his heart — he died instantly.
The stunned soliders crowded around their fallen leader, barely able
to grasp that Brock, a man who seemed invincible, was dead. Mud
splattered his face, and blood soaked his jacket and the beaded
sash. He no longer looked like the elegant general they knew; but
he was not diminished in their eyes. As they stood rooted to the
ground, a cannon ball sliced one of the men in two and the corpse
fell on Brock's body. This prompted the horrified soldiers into action.
They retreated, carrying their general's body back down the hill.
Even in death, Brock was victorious. His demise spurred on both the
British and Canadian soldiers, who were now determined to avenge
their fallen hero.
About the author
Jennifer Crump is a freelance journalist and author whose work has
appeared in numerous North American magazines, including
Reader's Digest, Canadian Geographic and Today'S Parent. She is
also the author of a guidebook on the City of Toronto. When she's
not writing, she is reading. History, particularly Canadian history, is a
long-time passion. A former resident of the southern part of Upper
Canada, Jennifer now lives with her family in the northwest part of
the province.