Hickey, Donald R. The War of 1812: A Short History.

Chicago: University ofIllinois Press, 1995.

For students who are interested in the circumstances surrounding the Constitution's claim to fame, this brief book packs in a clear and concise overview.

Horsman,   Reginald.  The  Causes of the  War of 1812.

Philadelphia: University ofPennsylvania Press, 1962. Horsman's analysis of the age sets aside many myths and explains the true circumstances under which the Constitution earned its fame.