Perilous fight : America's intrepid war with Britain on the high seas, 1812-1815 /Stephen Budiansky.

"Budiansky shows that, far from an indecisive and unnecessary conflict--as historians have long dismissed the War of 1812--this "forgotten war" had profound consequences that would change the course of naval warfare, America's place in the world, and the rules of international conflict forever. Never again would the great powers challenge the young republic's sovereignty in the aftermath of the stunning performance of America's navy and privateersmen. Drawing extensively on diaries, letters, and personal accounts from both sides, Budiansky re-creates the encounters at sea, the intimate hopes and fears of vainglorious captains and young seamen in search of adventure, and the behind-the-scenes political intrigue and maneuvering in Washington and London."--From publisher description.