A Very Brilliant Affair

The first full-length study of the battle that took place on Oct. 13, 1812, on the border of British Canada shows it as a sharp lesson for the young US Army and a critical morale booster for Upper Canada. The work follows the campaign and battle through the eyes of its participants; among other conclusions, Malcomson reveals that British Gen. Isaac Brock, who was killed in the fighting and is usually identified as its hero, was less infallible than legend would have him. Malcomson is a Canadian military historian who specializes in the War of 1812.