# Need book recommendations for the War of 1812

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [February 17, 2007, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573 "2007-02-17T00:33:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573/1 "2007-02-17T00:33:14Z")

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I’d like to read some basic histories of the War of 1812, perhaps with a particular eye to naval actions. These could be books, or good websites.

I know, I know, Google it and start reading. But I figure there are some history minded Dopers who can give me a hand, so that I get the most accurate material.

I don’t mind plowing through a lot of detail. If there is additional material on day to day life in that period, that would be a plus.

So, any history geeks who can give me a nudge in the right direction?

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**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573/2 "2007-02-17T02:32:30Z")

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Are you partial to the North American naval battles, or the European naval battles? Or both?

[One person’s list of the best books on the War of 1812](http://www.amazon.com/War-1812-Americas-Independence-Notable/lm/R2SQC94ZOQY8UN/ref=cm_lmt_dtpa_f_2_rdssss0/103-5490989-2891056).

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**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573/3 "2007-02-17T03:06:33Z")

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Here’s a good starting point - a staff column by our own **gfactor** : [Did Canada Win the War of 1812?](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwar1812.htm), complete with lengthy bibliography.

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**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2007, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-book-recommendations-for-the-war-of-1812/392573/4 "2007-02-17T04:37:17Z")

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Thanks, **NP** , I remembered that column once I clicked on your link!

**Walloon** , it would be both European and North American, and thanks for your link as well!