The War of 1812 revealed many heroes and heroines from both Canada and the United States, and Major-General Sir Isaac Brock (1769-1812) was one of them. The Astonishing General tells of Brock's life, his career, and his legacy, particularly in the Canadas, and of the context in which he lived. Despite his success in capturing Detroit, Brock was, in some ways, the most unlikely of heroes. He was admired by his American foes almost as much as by his own people and he was revered far and wide. This reputation was furthered by his success in winning Tecumseh's trust and ensuring that the great leader's formidable army was loyal to the British. Even more striking is how a British general whose military role lasted less than five months became the best-known hero of that two-and-a-half-year war. The Astonishing General is Wesley B. Turner's exploration of this unlikely hero and his astounding legacy.

Winner of the 2011 Ontario Historical Society Donald Grant Creighton Award.