"A well-researched and extensively documented overview of the causes and consequences of the War of 1812. In a penetrating analysis of pre-war society, [Hickey] accumulates evidence suggesting that the war was ultimately unnecessary and unpopular. Highly recommended as an inclusive political, military, and social treatment of a customarily neglected war." American Library Association Booklist"Despite being forgotten and overlooked, the War of 1812 was a significant milestone in the development of the United States. [Hickey] was accurate when he wrote, 'Although looking to the past, the war was fraught with consequences for the future, and for this reason it is worth studying today.' And there is no better place to start than with The War of 1812." Civil War News"Military historians will welcome Donald R. Hickey's bicentennial edition to his classic 1989 synthesis, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict.

The new edition maintains its focus on Washington DC politics while retaining the two excellent chapters on the Republican Riots in Baltimore and the Hartford Convention. Hickey focuses his revisions on the chapters that concentrate on the U.S. military campaigns. Those who enjoy reading about the strategic positioning of armies, personalities of generals, and various movements of troops will appreciate Hickey's chapters on the campaigns of 1812 and 1813 as well as his chapter on the 1814 British counteroffensive. Although Hickey's focus is on land battles, those interested in naval battles will not be disappointed. By covering almost all the major engagements of the war while allowing the reader an opportunity to get to know a few significant personalities, Hickey is able to incorporate detail without sacrificing breadth."" - Patrick Blythe (Seminole State College of Florida), on H-War, Dec 2012.