Despite losing the war, there is one battle the Americans won during the War of 1812 that is considered by many historians to be the most important naval battle of the long war. Upon his victory, American naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry shouted these now famous words: "We have met the enemy and they are ours." A Signal Victory: The Lake Erie Campaign, 1812-1813 from authors David Curtis Skaggs and Gerard Atloff is an inclusive and unbiased analysis of this famous battle. The book derives much insight from a plethora of Canadian, British and American documents that provide more than merely details of the battle. As well, the authors assess the strategic circumstances and tactical performance of the Americans and the British and the command leadership exercised by Perry and his British opponent, Commander Robert H. Barclay. Both exceedingly well researched and written with passion, this historical text will appeal to more than just military enthusiasts.