Publishers Mark War of 1812 Bicentennial with Record Number of Books, says Bowker

New Providence, NJ,June 13, 2012—June 18th marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, making books on the subject a growing trend, according to Bowker’s Books In Print®, a leading and reliable source of information on books and publishing metrics. One hundred thirteen books — in print and e-book versions — have been brought to market in 2012, a record amount for the conflict, which is often referred to as the “forgotten war.”

At a time when Europe was preoccupied with the Napoleonic Wars, “the War of 1812 elicited less attention” said Kelly Gallagher, Vice-President of Bowker Market Research. “With fresh interest during the bicentennial, many publishers are supplying readers and researchers with both new and re-released titles, representing a variety of perspectives.”

In the past 200 years, publication of titles related to the War of 1812 has been relatively modest — the struggle having been eclipsed in American minds by the 1861-1865 U.S. Civil War. Now, Bowker has compiled a list of more than 994 books published about the war, including updated bicentennial editions of The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict by Donald R. Hickey, and The War of 1812: Conflict for a Continent by J.C.A. Stagg. This year’s output includes reprints of classics, such as The Naval War of 1812 by Theodore Roosevelt, first published in 1882 and recounting the exploits of the U.S.S. Constitution, to children’s nonfiction, including Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner by Monica Kulling.

The war had a major impact in Canada, where numerous battles were fought, and Canadian publishers have also marked this anniversary with titles including Fire Along the Frontier: Great Battles of the War of 1812 by Alastair Sweeny and juvenile fiction such as Acts of Courage: Laura Secord and the War of 1812 by Connie Brummel Crook, due out in July.

Bowker.com has posted a definitive list of books about the War of 1812. Visitors to the site can look inside works to learn about the role of Native Americans in the conflict, America’s small fleet taking on the Royal Navy, and warfare from the perspective of the foot soldier. Previews of works such as Fire along the Sky and Ruinous and Unhappy War: New England and the War of 1812 are courtesy of ebrary, a ProQuest business.

To learn more, visit bowker.com. To view the reading list on the War of 1812 visit this site.