The first full-length study of the battle that took place on Oct. 13, 1812, on the border of British Canada shows it as a sharp lesson for the young US Army and a critical morale booster for Upper Canada. The work follows the campaign and battle through the eyes of its participants; among other conclusions, Malcomson reveals that British Gen. Isaac Brock, who was killed in the fighting and is usually identified as its hero, was less infallible than legend would have him. Malcomson is a Canadian military historian who specializes in the War of 1812.

Maps on lining papers.

Prologue: "Do justice to the occasion." --War is Declared, 1812 -- "In the midst of the labors of man" The Niagara Frontier in 1812 -- "An armor and an attitude" War Preparations at Washington and Quebec -- "We shall have our hands full." New York and Upper Canada, Spring 1812 -- The Summer Campaign, June to October 1812 -- "A strictly amateur militia general" Enter the Van Rensselaers, July and August 1812 -- "A cool calculation of the pours and contres" Detroit and the Armistice, July and August 1812 -- "Redouble our exertions" March and Drill on the Niagara, July-September 1812 -- "We have but one object." Final Preparations, September-October 1812 -- The Battle, 13 October 1812 -- "One incessant blaze from Musketry" Lieutenant Colonel Van Rensselaer's Attack -- "Are you much hurt, Sir?" Major General Brock's Last Command -- "Beneath the stride of death" Major General Sheaffe's Victory -- "The undaunted bravery of veterans" The Results of the Battle -- Epilogue: "May its effects not be lost upon the rising generation." -- The Last Words of Isaac Brock -- Brock's Monuments and Queenston Heights Today -- United States Army Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- New York State Militia and Volunteer Personnel in the American Army on the Niagara River, 1812 -- Van Rensselaer's Army on the Niagara River, October 1812 -- American Order of Battle, 13 October 1812 -- British Army Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- Upper Canada Militia Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- Brock's Army on the Niagara Frontier, October 1812. Prologue: "Do justice to the occasion." -- War is Declared, 1812 -- "In the midst of the labors of man" The Niagara Frontier in 1812 -- "An armor and an attitude" War Preparations at Washington and Quebec -- "We shall have our hands full." New York and Upper Canada, Spring 1812 -- The Summer Campaign, June to October 1812 -- "A strictly amateur militia general" Enter the Van Rensselaers, July and August 1812 -- "A cool calculation of the pours and contres" Detroit and the Armistice, July and August 1812 -- "Redouble our exertions" March and Drill on the Niagara, July-September 1812 -- "We have but one object." Final Preparations, September-October 1812 -- The Battle, 13 October 1812 -- "One incessant blaze from Musketry" Lieutenant Colonel Van Rensselaer's Attack -- "Are you much hurt, Sir?" Major General Brock's Last Command -- "Beneath the stride of death" Major General Sheaffe's Victory -- "The undaunted bravery of veterans" The Results of the Battle -- Epilogue: "May its effects not be lost upon the rising generation." -- The Last Words of Isaac Brock -- Brock's Monuments and Queenston Heights Today -- United States Army Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- New York State Militia and Volunteer Personnel in the American Army on the Niagara River, 1812 -- Van Rensselaer's Army on the Niagara River, October 1812 -- American Order of Battle, 13 October 1812 -- British Army Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- Upper Canada Militia Personnel Involved at Queenston Heights -- Brock's Army on the Niagara Frontier, October 1812.