Tecumseh and Brock: The War of 1812

by James Laxer

At the turn of the nineteenth century, the British Empire is at the height of its ascendancy; Napoleonic France is struggling to maintain its position as a world power; and the incumbent American empire is quickly expanding its territory, while the Native peoples struggle to establish their own confederacy, their own independent nation.
Bestselling author, historian, political scientist, and scholar James Laxer offers a fresh and compelling view of this decisive war — which historians have long treated as a second American revolution — by bringing to life the Native struggle for nationhood and sovereignty; the battle between the British Empire and the United States over Upper and Lower Canada; and finally, at the heart of it, the unlikely friendship and political alliance of two towering figures of history: Tecumseh, the Shawnee chieftain and charismatic leader of the Native confederacy, and Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, protector and defender of the British Empire.
Highly engaging and impeccably researched, Tecumseh and Brock is a powerful work of history, an epic story of empires and emerging nations, of politics and power, and of two leaders whose legacy still lives on today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Canada, American History, Military History, War

361 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2012

About the author

James Laxer was a Canadian political economist and professor at York University.

Reviews

[Jerome Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book on an interesting topic. The title is somewhat misleading; the book is more a history of the war itself and of the Indians’ involvement than it is a joint biography of Tecumseh and Brock; still, the book is satisfactory. Perhaps readers should turn to John Sugden’s Tecumseh: A Life or other biographies of Brock himself (I believe there are at least three).

The book does explore the relationship between Tecumseh and Brock, but probably not in enough detail. The book is still interesting, but it I did not get to know them too well. It doesn’t even seem like Tecumseh and Brock ever got to know each other well. They did share many traits and had a strong admiration for each other.

The book also goes into detail about how the Indians were continually screwed over by both the Americans and the British. While neither side won the War of 1812, the Indians seemed to be the clear losers, especially with the death of Tecumseh.

One theme of the book seems to be the betrayal of the Indians by both sides, but the theme is not very emphasized and thus doesn’t really unify the story. Still, it reads well and was still quite interesting.

[Rob Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visit to some Canadian friends sparked an interest in the War of 1812. John was kind enough to show me around to several battle sites and Fort George. We discussed that war and I quickly discovered that his view was quite different from mine and was probably more accurate. I decided to read a few books on the subject, of which this is the second. This history covers the war in its entirety, but focuses on the two greatest figures of that war. Tecumseh is rarely mentioned in American history book, Brock is completely absent. We Americans also like to think we won the war. We didn’t, it was a draw at best. In Isaac Brock you have a decisive, charismatic general who was also a tactical genius. Tecumseh, as Shawnee Chief, was the same. They were only together for a few days, and both died early in the war, yet they dominated the conflict. Quite frankly, had they both lived, we would be spelling “color” “colour.” The war did achieve on major thing, aside from a song composed while watching the American Flag flying over Fort McHenry. Before the war, Upper Canada (Ontario today) was made up of a small population, that really held now allegiance to anyone. After the war, the character of what would become Canada had been forged.

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy read, but covers too much ground in too short a space to go into any meaningful depth. Those expecting extensive biography or flowing narrative will be disappointed—it is rather a disjointed series of vignettes. I would like to have seen a more thorough examination of the cultural legacy of these figures in the development of a Canadian identity, but the book fails to satisfy on this account and its conclusion reads like an addendum of afterthoughts.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

ESSENTIAL reading for anyone (Age 16+) with either an interest in the "Forgotten War" of 1812-1814, or dealing with it in school.
Laxer provides a rich, well-researched narrative for reader to discover the histories behind these two pivotal figures leading up to their meeting, and continuing to the death of each on the battlefield.

[Michael Finley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a US citizen, I was intrigued to read about a Canadian perspective of the War of 1812 and two of the key players in that conflict. The subject matter caught my attention largely because of the timing (the 200th anniversary of the war) and the fact that I was in the McGill University bookstore while on vacation this summer when I saw it. It was interesting to see how a "First Nations" chief (as the Canadians refer to "Native Americans") and a British Army officer were able to work in common cause (if not in true coordinated fighting) against the American invasion. However, the actual direct interaction between the two leaders was historically very limited, and the role of Brock relative to Tecumseh was somewhat lopsided (i.e. it seemed Tecumseh was a much longer lasting and influential enemy to the US than Brock was). I think the author had to stretch a bit to bring these two historical figures together, but the story and perspective was nonetheless interesting.

[Cathy Converse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing any historical account is an onerous and often thankless task and the time put in to researching and writing is mostly done for the love of one's subject. For that I thank Laxer for his latest book on the Tecumseh and Brock: TheWar of 1812.

The book's focus on the great losses suffered by First Nations peoples and their struggle to hang on to their territory and livelihoods shifted the normal focus of the war to being an account of more than one of victors and losers.

After Brock's and Tecumseh's death on the battlefield I felt the book lost focus and became more a litany of the various battles, which are well documented in many accounts of the War of 1812. Although the book did continue with the telling of the stories of First Nation's peoples, they appeared more as a adjunct. I would have liked to read more of Brock and Tecumseh. A great read in any event.

[Jada Roche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this to learn more about the two men in the title...growing up in a town that was adjunct to the war of 1812, (I went to school in BROCKville after all....) I was curious to know more. And for awhile I was able to get a sense of the two men, but not really. It didn't feel like a deep examination, but rather an overview...which turned into "and then this happened, and then this happened...." for the rest of the war of 1812 after they died.

The title threw me. Not inherently a bad book, just...I was a little misled.

[Brian Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose the idea is what impact Tecumseh and Brock had in the outcome of the War of 1812 vs a dual bio. The two didn't last long into the war. The book is really a high overview of their careers and then switches into a summary of events in that war. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that the title is misleading.
I do like the Canadian perspective. Every account of the war written by Canadians seems to have a better grasp of this overlooked confrontation that still puzzles Americans.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting account of two men, on the Canadian side, about the time of 1812. Of course neither of them were Canadian they have been adopted by Canada. For those not familiar with that time period this book is a very good introduction to it and a very good look at Tecumseh and Isaac Brock. A very worth while read.

[Marlies · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Laxer is a brilliant writer. The relationship between Brock and Tecumseh is a short one, yet it changed everything for Canada. Laxer truly explores how Canada became Canada and how the War of 1812 truly did help us on the way to nationhood. He also shows the cruel and continuing Endless War that the First Nations tribes and nations in Canada and in the US are still fighting today.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone wanting to add some depth to the Conservative government spin on the War of 1812, read this highly readable book.

[robert l. washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent History of time before the 1812 war.

I enjoyed learning about circumstances that occurred leading up to the 1812 war. I highly recommend reading this book.
Bob

[Littleflyingdingbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and interesting account of the war and the two figures who stand tall in our history.