THE WAR OF 1812: LAND OPERATIONS George F. G. Stanley. Ottawa, National Museum of Man, c1983. (Canadian War Museum Historical Publications #18). Distributed by Macmillan. 489pp, cloth, $24.95. ISBN 0-7715-9859-9. Post-Secondary. Reviewed by John H, Harkness. Volume 12 Number 1 1984 January Besides being a distinguished military historian, George F. G. Stanley is currently Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. In this perceptive and articulate volume on the land operations of the War of 1812, he ably demonstrates his historical expertise. (Note: a separate volume on naval operations in this war is forthcoming.) Stanley states that his object is "to write the history of the Canadian war as seen from the standpoint of the inhabitants of British North America." He also admits that he probably adds no new factual data. What we do get, however, is a well-sustained narrative with perceptive and balanced judgments. Stanley comments that “In simple terms, callousness in Britain and over-sensitivity in the United States were the twin legacies of the American Revolutionary War: they were in consequence, the fundamental forces behind the renewal of the struggle in 1812." The basic motives behind President Madison's declaration of war, he also goes on to suggest, were "to satisfy national honour and acquire control over Canada-in brief pride and acquisitiveness." The British simply maintained they were fighting to defend their empire. The expected easy American victory did not materialize and for three years despite some isolated successes, the American forces proved inadequate for the stated task. Stanley makes interesting comparisons as to why the British and Canadian troops were more effective and dedicated. He examines in detail the many battles and sieges, e.g., Detroit, Queenston Heights, Lundy's Lane, and Pittsburgh to name but a few. He analyses the significant contribution of the Indian's under Tecumseh to the British cause and notes their unhappy fate in the subsequent peace negotiations, negotiations that were over-shadowed by the larger problems Europe faced in the post-Napoleonic period. Scattered throughout the book in the appropriate places are many well-drawn maps and some 150 contemporary illustrations. Stanley also includes four appendices on various military items, notes on each chapter, and a comprehensive index. All in all we are presented with a very excellent, readable, and eminently affordable book that should quickly find its way into all school, college, and university libraries. John H. Harkness, Emery C. I., Weston, ON.