Comments: Softcover, 80 pages; 36 black-and-white engravings and photos; 7 color photos; 16 color
ISBN: 978-1-4728-1582-8
Price: $20
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
From the publisher: The most critical naval fighting during the War of 1812 took place not on the high seas but on inland lakes of North America: the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Carrying between 12 and 22 cannon, the British and American sloops-of-war were ship-rigged, brig-rigged or schooner-rigged vessels. Lake actions often involved two ships facing each other broadside, the best example of which was the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, in which HMS Detroit led a Royal Navy squadron against the USS Lawrence-led U.S. Navy.
Lardas investigates the prolonged struggle between British and U.S. sloops-of-war, highlighting the differences between war on the lakes and war on the oceans during the Age of Fighting Sail, revealing the circumstances under which these ships were built, how they were armed, and the human story behind their construction and use in battle.
FSM says: Ship modelers get a focused look at a short interval of maritime history and a specialized application of naval power. Looking that closely at a subject always brings out the details.