Hacks, Sycophants, Adventurers, and Heroes: Madison's Commanders in the War of 1812
At least in public perception, war produces heroes and knaves, geniuses and fools. The War of 1812 produced a hefty supply of each. Fitz-Enz is an army veteran with 30 years of service, and he is a regular contributor to television documentaries on military topics. Here he views the war through a biographical prism, which leads to a confusing narrative structure as events described are not chronological. Still, his portrayals of these commanders on the American side are insightful and often brutally frank. He pays tribute to well-known icons, especially Andrew Jackson and his conduct at the famed Battle of New Orleans. He also praises lesser-known officers, including Naval Commander Thomas Macdonough, who repelled the British invasion on Lake Champlain. Fitz-Enz reserves most of his vitriol for those who owed their military appointments to their political connections. One well-deserved target, General James Wilkinson, was both incompetent and unscrupulous, and was probably a traitor in the pay of the Spanish government. Fitz-Enz has provided an informative look at the war with a provocative and interesting perspective. --Jay Freeman