In Ralph Delahaye Paine's book, 'The Fight for a Free Sea: A Chronicle of the War of 1812,' readers are taken on a literary journey through the significant maritime conflicts of the early 19th century. Paine's meticulous research and attention to detail bring this often overlooked aspect of the War of 1812 to life, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the struggles for control of the seas. His descriptive and engaging writing style draws readers into the heart of the action, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in naval history and military conflicts of the era. Paine's portrayal of the key players and events of the war is both informative and compelling, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in American history. As an accomplished maritime historian, Paine brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his narrative, making 'The Fight for a Free Sea' a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this critical moment in time.

The Free Sea offers a unique, single-volume analysis of incidents in American history that affected U.S. freedom of navigation at sea. The book spans more than 200 years, beginning in the Colonial era with the Quasi-War with France in 1798 and extending to contemporary Freedom of Navigation operations in the South China Sea. Through wars and numerous crises with North Korea, North Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, Russia and China, freedom of navigation has been a persistent challenge for the United States, a nation reliant on open seas for economic prosperity, military security and global order. This volume focuses on the struggle to retain freedom of the seas. Challenges to U.S. warships and maritime commerce have pushed, and continue to challenge, the United States to vindicate its rights through diplomatic, legal, and military means, underscoring the need for the strategic resolve in the global maritime commons.

Commodore David Dixon Porter made history when he took the USS Essex into the Pacific and crippled the British whaling industry during the War of 1812. While the first to suggest that the U.S. Navy force open Japan, he was also court-martialed for his unauthorized invasion of Spanish Puerto Rico. He later sought to reverse his fortunes in the Mexican Navy, and consistently suffered chaos in his personal and financial affairs. Nothing Too Daring offers an objective, thoroughly researched biography of one of America’s most colorful naval officers.

This compact history of the war attempts to separate myth from reality. Professor Coles narrates the main operations on both land and sea of the three-year struggle. He examines the conflict from the British (and Canadian) as well as the American point of view, relating events in America to the larger war going on in Europe. "A balanced analysis of tactics and strategy, this book also summarizes succinctly and clearly recent scholarship on causes and describes briefly the war's military, economic, and political consequences. Coles has surveyed thoroughly the existing literature but arrives at a number of independent judgments. It is the best single-volume account of the war in all its aspects. In recounting sea battles, Coles puts aside the patriotic blinders that have for so long prevented a sensible understanding of American capabilities and strategic necessities; thus American naval victories are put in a proper perspective. And in dealing with land engagements, he has shunned the mocking and amused attitude which has so often passed for historical judgment. Undergraduates will be stimulated by the hints of modern parallels and will find useful the excellent annotated bibliography and simple maps."—Choice

John R. Grodzinski’s volume in the Routledge Research Guides to American Military Studies covers the origins of the War of 1812 - the major post-revolutionary conflict fought between the United States and the British Empire - providing a general overview of the significant battles that occurred at sea and in the area of the present-day Great Lakes and U.S.-Canadian border. The key features of this research guide are the bibliographical elements, namely lists of published books, articles, and on-line resources pertaining to the War of 1812, as well as references to archival resources available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The War of 1812 is a valuable supplementary resource for institutional libraries on both sides of the Atlantic.