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Osprey Campaign #209
Niagara 1814: The final invasion
The War of 1812 (1812-1814) has the strange distinction of being a war largely forgotten by both of its main participants. Despite being overshadowed by the Napoleonic Wars raging in Europe, the War of 1812 saw Americans, British, Canadians, and Native Americans wage an increasing brutal conflict all along the border.
By 1814, with war coming to a close in Europe, the Americans decided to launch one last, major land offensive in an attempt to seize Canada. Although previous attempts had most often ended in disaster, the American army of 1814 contained several highly trained units under competent leadership including the legendary Winfield Scott. This final Niagara campaign saw a number of pitched battles including Chippawa, Lundy's Lane, and Cook's Mill, where the American Bluecoats matched the British shot for shot. However, due to poor planning at the highest levels of American office, the campaign was ultimately a failure and the result ensured the survival of Canada as an independent state.
A critically-acclaimed researcher on the War of 1812, author John Latimer presents a new look at an oft-forgotten yet crucially important campaign in the history of North America.
By 1814, with war coming to a close in Europe, the Americans decided to launch one last, major land offensive in an attempt to seize Canada. Although previous attempts had most often ended in disaster, the American army of 1814 contained several highly trained units under competent leadership including the legendary Winfield Scott. This final Niagara campaign saw a number of pitched battles including Chippawa, Lundy's Lane, and Cook's Mill, where the American Bluecoats matched the British shot for shot. However, due to poor planning at the highest levels of American office, the campaign was ultimately a failure and the result ensured the survival of Canada as an independent state.
A critically-acclaimed researcher on the War of 1812, author John Latimer presents a new look at an oft-forgotten yet crucially important campaign in the history of North America.
96 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2009
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About the author
Jon Latimer
40 books5 followersEducated at Christleton County High School in Chester, Jon Latimer studied for a geography degree at University College, Swansea but switched course to graduate in oceanography. He worked as an oceanographer until becoming a full-time writer in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 25, 2017
I would normally have rated an Osprey higher than this, but I was disappointed with the partisanship displayed. This is always a fine line and can be considered a lot like pornography: you know it when you see it.
The history of this situation in 1814 is rather interesting, and the story presented here covers the basics. It just continually felt like the author was holding pom-poms for the British and either blamed setbacks on individual British officers or lack of support from the Royal Navy. Little credit is given for American actions, and American victories are explained away as failures of officers on an individual level. This is seriously lacking a neutral stance historians need when writing, and providing a full accounting of all the facts while limiting speculation on "what if's". Every battle is determined by officer decisions and troop performance, so wins and losses both must be accepted as failures or successes of both. And sometimes even good decisions and good performance still end in defeat.
This felt apologetic and revisionist at times, rehabilitating failures of the British to achieve better results when the facts on paper appear to support them doing so. Even Macdonough's brilliant victory on Lake Champlain gets minimized and "explained" away as some British officer making bad decisions forcing a hopeless fight that should have happened differently (and with a British victory no doubt).
The partisanship is something I despise in history books, and so this gets a minus 2 stars. This isn't football. This is history. This conflict is hardly a shining star for America, and I think Great Britain can find little to be proud of either. That said, it isn't right to tarnish the reputations and efforts of an officer or army, or to make excuses trying to justify poor performance. Both sides had their men do their duties, and ultimately the war ended with neither getting everything they wanted. That is the truth.
I offer only my opinion here, and not a judgement on Osprey or even Mr. Latimer. I'm sure most historically minded people would find the book acceptable, and I certainly gained some knowledge on the battles. It is "ok", but I would recommend other choices for a more balanced view.
The history of this situation in 1814 is rather interesting, and the story presented here covers the basics. It just continually felt like the author was holding pom-poms for the British and either blamed setbacks on individual British officers or lack of support from the Royal Navy. Little credit is given for American actions, and American victories are explained away as failures of officers on an individual level. This is seriously lacking a neutral stance historians need when writing, and providing a full accounting of all the facts while limiting speculation on "what if's". Every battle is determined by officer decisions and troop performance, so wins and losses both must be accepted as failures or successes of both. And sometimes even good decisions and good performance still end in defeat.
This felt apologetic and revisionist at times, rehabilitating failures of the British to achieve better results when the facts on paper appear to support them doing so. Even Macdonough's brilliant victory on Lake Champlain gets minimized and "explained" away as some British officer making bad decisions forcing a hopeless fight that should have happened differently (and with a British victory no doubt).
The partisanship is something I despise in history books, and so this gets a minus 2 stars. This isn't football. This is history. This conflict is hardly a shining star for America, and I think Great Britain can find little to be proud of either. That said, it isn't right to tarnish the reputations and efforts of an officer or army, or to make excuses trying to justify poor performance. Both sides had their men do their duties, and ultimately the war ended with neither getting everything they wanted. That is the truth.
I offer only my opinion here, and not a judgement on Osprey or even Mr. Latimer. I'm sure most historically minded people would find the book acceptable, and I certainly gained some knowledge on the battles. It is "ok", but I would recommend other choices for a more balanced view.
February 18, 2026
À short but very detailed look at the battles on the Niagara Peninsula during the 1814 year of the War of 1812 (1812-1815). The first chapter is a bit confusing but then it gets easier to follow as the author moves chronologically through the year. There are some good photos, pen & ink drawings, maps, and coloured recreations. At the end there is a short piece on the battlefields today.
June 30, 2011
A typical Osprey military history campaign book. Informative, not great but not bad, either. A solid 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews