From 1812 to 1815 a war was fought between the United States and Britain that decided the destiny and future of North America.

The Call to Arms is the first of six books in the series Upper Canada Preserved — War of 1812. Each book in this battlefield-based chronicle combines the best of modern historical research with extensive quotations from original official documents and personal letters to bring to life this crucial period of Canada’s early history. Numerous historical images of locations are counterpointed with comparable modern perspectives to give a true then-and-now effect. Custom-drawn maps are also included to trace the course of individual battles stage-by-stage, while placing and moving the shifting formations of troops across a geographically accurate battlefield.

In this first entry in the series, the focus is on the 1812 invasions of Upper Canada: the Battles of Detroit, Queenston Heights, and Frenchman’s Creek, and features such figures as Major General Isaac Brock, Brigadier General William Hull, Major General Roger H. Sheaffe, and Tecumseh, among others.

Richard Feltoe was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and holds a degree in economics from the University of London. He is the curator and corporate archivist for the Redpath Sugar Museum and is active as a living history reenactor, portraying the life of a Canadian militia soldier from the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada regiment in the War of 1812-1815. His other publications include Redcoated Ploughboys. He lives in Brampton, Ontario.

Richard Feltoe's profile page

Feltoe has done the study of the War of 1812 a valuable service by redrawing period maps and adding icons showing the relative positions and movements of the forces involved. These maps are among the best to appear in many years. The Call to Arms is an excellent popular study of the opening events of the conflict in Upper Canada and one looks forward to the subsequent volumes with anticipation.

War of 1812 magazine

When the full series is finally available, I look forward to using it as my go-to guide to the Canadian portion of the war. If you're looking for only one book or set to read, Feltoe is so far an excellent choice.

Niagara Life magazine