52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 18

Week 18: Historical Books: This week we’re going to shine the spotlight on other historical books that benefit the genealogy field. Do you have a favorite book that falls in this category? What makes this book special to you? How can other genealogists benefit from its content?


On this 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, I will have to mention A Very Brilliant Affair:  The Battle of Queenstown Heights, 1812, by Robert Malcomson.   This well written account of the opening round of the war and the Battle at Queenstown Heights uses firsthand accounts from both sides of the conflict.

It was of special interest to me because my direct ancestor Peter Buell Allen is mentioned numerous times in the book and his participation in the battle described.  Allen was a Lieutenant Colonel in the 20th Regiment and was captured, although later released.

A Very Brilliant Affair is a fascinating account of the beginning of the three year war called by some, the Second War of American Independence.  If you have an ancestor that took part in this war, you would likely gain a new perspective from this book.