The
following are readings in Canadian military history
and military studies that have been recommended by
members of our discussion board community. In some
cases, comments have been provided by the reviewer
and are included under the entry in italics.
United States Army in World War II Special Studies:
Military Relations Between The United States and
Canada 1939-1945
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author: Colonel Stanley W. Dziuban
Publisher: Washington, D.C. Government Printing
Office 1970 (1959)
An
essential work for anyone seriously interested in
understanding US/Canadian military relations;
written from source documents (a huge plus in these
days of derivative history).
Military History of Canada: From Champlain to Kosovo
(4th Edition)
Recommended by Scott Noseworthy
Author:
Desmond Morton
Publisher: McClelland & Stewert – first published
1985, 4th edition 1999.
This
book was the first book I had in my library that
really gave a good overview of Canadian military
history, instead of focusing solely on the army,
navy, or air force in particular. Very enjoyable and
informative book to read - I'd recommend it to be a
textbook if Newfoundland's high school's ever got a
military history course. If you're new to studying
Canada's military history, I strongly advise you
begin your studies with this book.
Field
of Glory: The Battle of Crysler's Farm, 1813; Where
Right and Glory Lead!: The Battle of Lundy's Lane,
1814; Red Coats & Grey Jackets: The Battle of
Chippawa, 5 July 1814;Merry Hearts Make Light Days:
The War of 1812 Journal of Lt. John Le Couteur,
104th Foot;
A
series of books recommend by Ian Gibson
Author: Donald E. Graves
Publisher: Robin Brass Studio
Donald Graves is probably the foremost expert on the
war of 1812. His books are easy to read and very
informative. Also, he footnotes extensively
(something that Pierre Berton doesn't do enough of
IMO).
A
Wampum Denied: Proctor's War of 1812
Recommended by Ian Gibson
Author: Sandy Antal
Publisher: McGill-Queen's Press (1997)
Talks in depth about General
Proctor and his command during the war. Delves into
what lead to the disaster at Moraviantown and some
of Proctor's other actions. Well written -
thoroughly enjoyable...
Code
Word Canloan
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author:
Wilfred I Smith
Publisher: Dundurn Press, 1992
Interesting and informational,
somewhat plodding. Tells the story of the 673
officers that volunteered to serve with the British
Army. Only book I've seen on the subject.
Hero
– The Buzz Beurling Story
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author: Brian Nolan
Publisher:
A good, short, reasonably
objective look at George Beurling, Canada’s highest
scoring fighter pilot (ninth best overall for the
Allies).
1759: The Battle for Canada
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author: Laurier L Lapierre
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart, 1990
An
interesting view of the climatic struggle for
control of North America. Lapierre uses some
unconventional techniques in telling the story of
the events (such as imagined conversations with
historical personages), and a somewhat unique
viewpoint in that he is squarely on the side of the
habitants, rather than either of the contesting
empires.
An interesting look as well at the personalities of
the principals, including, but not limited to, Wolfe
and Montcalm, warts and all.
Further, the descriptions of events of the 3 months
leading up to the 30 minute battle are illuminating
in the scale and effect of the war as it affected
the population.
All in all a good, informative read.
The
Incredible War of 1812
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author: J. Mackay Hitsman
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 1965
Detailed look at the subject, source of much of
Pierre Berton’s treatment of the subject, in my
opinion. Well worth a read.
The
Road Past Vimy: The Canadian Corps 1914-1918
Recommended by Murray Graham
Author:
D. J. Goodspeed
Publisher: Macmillan, 1969
Lovely short course/overview on WW1 and Canada’s
part in it. Definitely a great place to start
learning, before you more onto more detailed books.
Wolfe
and Montcalm: Their lives, their times, and the fate
of a continent
Recommended by Scott Noseworthy
Author:
Joy Carroll
Publisher:
An
excellent look at Wolfe and Montcalm, the opposing
English and French generals at the most important
military battle in the formation of Canada as we
know it today: the Plains of Abraham at Quebec City.
