1812 – A Novel
By David Niven
A Forge Paperback
442 pg
First published in 1996, David Niven’s historical novel set against the tumultuous years of the War of 1812 is absolutely magnificent in capturing a crucial era in American history. This reviewer truly believes most students are naturally enraptured by the story of the American Revolution and it relates to the story of the birth our nation. Whereas, while continuing on through following decades, we faced the first actual challenge to that republic. A period that gets little attention in most classes. Except for a few paragraphs on the reasons behind the conflict, the mention of the Capital being burned and Andrew Jackson winning the Battle of New Orleans, little else is ever recalled or given any significant weight.
As a lifelong student of history, we were aware of our own lack of knowledge and eagerly picked up this tome. Though written as a novel for obvious dramatic purposes, Niven doesn’t stary from factual events and within these pages we learned lots more about soldier Winfield Scott and the battles fought in Canada against the British. All of which were totally a surprise to us. Then there is the political pitfalls President James Madison faced as most of the New England states were against the war and threatened to secede if it continued. That he managed to persevere is a testimony to his uncanny foresight in understanding the potential future for this new untested nation.
Finally, there’s Andrew Jackson, the backwoods fighter who dreamed of glory never realizing its true cost and the sacrifices it would demand of him and all Americans. 1812 is a captivating, exciting adventure with vivid battle sequences and insightful glimpses into the hearts of the men and women unwilling to abandon the goals of our Founding Fathers. It’s worth your time, dear reader. You’ll be the better for having read it.
