A Very Brilliant Affair: The Battle of Queenston Heights, 1812

by Robert Malcomson

A Very Brilliant Affair

Genres: History

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

A teacher who worked for the Niagara South School Board and the District School Board of Niagara from 1968 until 2002, Robert George Malcomson was an internationally acclaimed author of works on Canadian military history and the War of 1812.

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently this is the only published book to cover the 'Battle of Queenston Heights' in detail. Fortunately, late author Robert Malcomson delivers a well-researched account of events, including an extensive back history leading to the invasion of Canada as well as the battle itself. Included are tactical maps covering each phase of the battle and photographs of important areas.

Of personal interest was the discovery that my ancestor's farm on the Niagara River served as a key rallying point for the British and Canadians to gather and launch a counterattack against the Americans on the Heights.

That aside, this book is highly recommended if you have any interest in the battle or the War of 1812.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a number of the 1812 books that have come out again in paperback for the 200 anniversary of the War. Some are good, some not. Malcomson was very even handed in his presentation of the Battle of Queenston Heights. I found it interesting how he distinguished between the current myths and the researched facts. It was also interesting within the appendices how varied the American muster rolls are; they don't seem to know how many people were in the field near Queenston at the time.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for anyone seriously interested in the War of 1812, Sir Isaac Brock, or the Battle of Queenston Heights. In a well researched, closely argued account of the Battle, Robert Malcomson gives a thorough sense of the context and personnel involved in this action.

Good maps, a glossary of military terms as they were used in 1812, and a number of appendices that include lists of combatants from both the U.S.A. and Great Britain, both regular army and militia.

Highly recommend for the serious amateur and the scholar.

[Carl Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of booklet than a book. Wonderfully written and has cool photos and illustrations to enhance the story. I visited the Isaac Brock Monument at Queenston Heights and it was a joy to read about this important battle.