The return of a classic! J.M. Hitsman's account of the War of 1812, first published in 1965, is both exciting and authoritative, and it is regarded by many as the best one-volume history of that conflict available. Hitsman provides an engrossing account of the origins, the course of the campaigns and battle, the life of regular and militia soldiers and the difficulties of waging war in a large and trackless territory. Long out of print, this new and revised edition edited by Donald E. Graves contains the entire text of the original plus: a foreword by Sir Christopher Prevost (descendant of the wartime British commander-in-chief); 50 new illustrations; 20 maps; appendices listing British and Canadian military units and their modern descendants; the First Nations that fought on both sides; the warships of the oppposing navies; the medals and awards of the war; and a comprehensive bibliography with more than 1,000 entries.

Painting by G.A. Embleton, courtesy DND Canada

What Reviewers Say about the new edition of Incredible War of 1812

The Incredible War "is a well-researched and well-written book that belongs not only on the shelf of every student and historian of that forgotten, deadly, and dangerous little war, but also on the shelves of every student of the period. The author ... has presented us with a book that covers the topic from muzzle to butt plate. ....... This updated edition has been given more illustrations, thanks to the efforts of the Canadian historian Don Graves, the authority for the War of 1812 on the Niagara frontier, and the maps, of which there are twenty, are excellent and are a definite quality aid to the reader. ...... This volume is highly recommended for all and sundry, whether you are a student of the War of 1812 or not. It is definitely a unique book, and its author, hopefully, will get the credit he so richly deserves for the dedication, accuracy, and scholarship displayed in this excellent work of military history."
Kevin Kiley, Napoleon Series Military Reviews, December 2001

This book contains "a reasoned, albeit qualified, vindication of the conduct of Lt. Gen. Sir George Prevost ... superb for the British and Canadian aspects of the war ... rounded out with ... a very substantial bibliography ... of primary and secondary sources relating to the war. ... Thus refurbished, Hitsman's volume retains its value as a judicious account of the Canadian side of the war. ... the best single Canadian reference source for the war of 1812."
John Stagg, Journal of Military History, February 2001

"If you only ever read one history of that inconclusive war, read this one. Its research is impeccable, its scope comprehensive, its judgements balanced, its language clear."
Chris Raible, Beaver, August/September 2000

Editor's collection

"The Incredible War of 1812 was first published in 1965 and was acknowledged at the time as one of the finest books on the war written in Canada. ...... Fortunately, this excellent study is available again, with many new features. Donald E. Graves, perhaps the most knowledgeable writer on the war today, has taken the original text, cited the sources consulted (the original appeared without any endnotes), added dozens of illustrations, and included several new appendices. A great book has been made better." John Grodzinski, Canadian Military Journal, Spring 2000