This path-breaking book by America's leading authority on the War of 1812 separates fact from fiction, myth from misconception. Few issues escape the author's gaze. He examines the role of Britons, Canadians and Americans; Indians, blacks and women; soldiers, sailors and marines. He asks some basic questions: What caused the war? When did the war begin and end? Who took the first scalp and who captured the first prize? What were the roles of Canadian traitor Joseph Willcocks, Mohawk leader John Norton and Canadian heroine Laura Secord? Who killed Tecumseh and who shot General Isaac Brock? When did the term "War of 1812" come into general use? Who were the best and worst officers? Who were the unsung heroes? The book also asks some big questions, sometimes presenting controversial answers: What caused the war? Was the declaration of war a bluff? What impact did logistics have? How effective was civilian leadership? Who actually won the war? And what was the war's legacy? An entertaining, informative and provocative study.