Even at the time the war with America in 1812 was regarded as an unnecessary conflict, provoked by mutual misunderstandings and prosecuted by both sides without any real conviction. There were however, many surprises; the seemingly omnipotence of the Royal Navy suffered some serious reverses at sea, while the American Invasion of Canada, supposedly 'merely a matter of marching in' was repulsed by a rag-tag force of colonial militia, native Indians and a handful of proper soldiers. But in every other aspect, it was a naval war – the Canadian campaign and even the burning of Washington depended on sea power.

The Americans went to war under the slogan of 'Free Trade and Sailors Rights' but afterwards had gained concessions on neither issue. The British consumed with the titanic struggle with Napoleon at first had no war aims other than forcing the Americans to make peace and preserving Canada. By 1814 however having defeated the French, Britain embarked on a far more aggressive strategy. The failures on Lake Champlain and even before the fighting ended at New Orleans, neither side had achieved a strategic gaol.

It was however, a defining moment in the history of North America and as such, a war with much significance from whence the modern states of Canada and the United States emerged.

It also marked the coming of age of the US navy, which not only won moral boosting victories at sea, but intervened to crucial effect on the Great Lakes.

Lavishly illustrated with diagrams, photos of contemporary paintings, maps and printers and artist's notes, this is a hugely researched tome covering almost every aspect of the naval during the American War of Independence. A 'must have' for anyone interested in that nation defining conflict ( )

Lovely diagrams and ship plans. A good guide to the nuts-and-bolts decisions arising from the American super-frigates. ( )