The Battle of Lake Erie

Pat Galloway, formerly the resource librarian at the Toronto & District
Parent Co-operative Preschool Corporation, is currently with the
Scarborough Public Library.

Pierre Berton brings the War of 1812 brilliantly to life in his two
latest “adventures in Canadian history.”

Brutality, heroism, and mass confusion are all hallmarks of the
19th-century naval battle, and Berton throws them all into the mix in
The Battle of Lake Erie. In his recounting of a pivotal incident in the
American quest to push the British out of North America, the
sophisticated and urbane personalities of the opposing commanders show a
marked contrast to the difficult and primitive conditions of the
campaign. Berton skilfully explains the complicated naval maneuvers that
make up the battle, and tops it off with an exciting account of the
surprising act of personal courage that turns the tide of the battle.

The Death of Tecumseh resumes the story of the 1813 American invasion
of Canada following the Lake Erie encounter. The outcome of the tale
hinges as much on the delicate relationship between Procter, the British
commander, and his Native allies as on the strategic details. This
relationship, fraught with misunderstanding and mistrust, is central to
the British disposition of forces to stem the invading American flow.
Looming large over all the battles and negotiations is the figure of the
visionary Native leader Tecumseh, who exerts a powerful influence on
British decisions.

Berton’s images are bold and personal, interwoven with interesting
details about the personalities and the times. McClusker’s clear maps
and illustrations reinforce important aspects of the battles. Highly
recommended.