Amateurs, to Arms!

By John R. Elting,

Book cover of Amateurs, to Arms!: A Military History of the War of 1812

Book description

Begun in ignorance of the military reality, the War of 1812 was fought catch-as-catch-can with raw troops, incompetent officers, and appallingly inadequate logistics. The odds against the American fighting forces,woefully unrealistic preparations and expectations, British military might, a feckless Congress and administration, the treason of many citizens who fed and…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Amateurs, to Arms! as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I was given the opportunity to make a television program about the Battle of Plattsburgh /Lake Champlain. Amateurs to Arms proved out to the best source for research concerning the War of 1812. It was no wonder since Professor John Elting had also written the 1812 West Point Atlas. His book on the northern battlefields is groundbreaking. An infantry officer in Germany during WWII, his experience brought an understanding of men caught in hand-to-hand combat. As a result of my extensive research, John suggested that I write a companion book to the film. The Final Invasion, Plattsburgh, the war of…

From David's list on war and warriors.

Want books like Amateurs, to Arms!?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 89 books like Amateurs, to Arms!.

Browse books like Amateurs, to Arms!

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the War of 1812, New Orleans, and presidential biography?

The War Of 1812 54 books
New Orleans 137 books