Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military became the most divisive issue facing the new government. The founders–particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams–debated fiercely. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect from pirates or drain the treasury and provoke hostility? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful … powerful warships.From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliff-hanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and the narrative flair of Patrick O’Brian.
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Excellent history on the beginnings of the US Navy and the political workings of the early United States. Highly recommended for military history buffs. I never realized how difficult it was to even get the early government to build frigates to defend our coasts and our interests around the world.
A terrific history read. Reminds me of David McCullough a bit. It is especially good at redeveloping and elaborating the various characters, the politics, and the artless blunders of the era along with the inspirational story. Starts with the Barbary Pirates and ends up with Old Ironsides in Boston. I couldn’t put it down. If you like history and wait and wait for the next good read – this is it.
A wonderful book that delves into early US history and the US Navy. Toll is a masterful story teller and explainer. It was so impactful to the US when these six frigates shaped our world.
Several great evenings reading.
This is the gripping story of the foundation of the US Navy when authorisation was given for construction of six frigates – one of which, USS Constitution, is still in service. Strongly built and powerfully armed, they were the “pocket battleships” of their day. Beginning with the selection of timber, and through to spectacular service in the Barbary Wars (“… to the shores of Tripoli”) and to duels with the Royal Navy in the War of 1812, the accounts is fast paced and exciting throughout. It’s a must for anybody interested in the Age of Fighting Sail
History, exact and like you’ve never before experienced since it reads like a novel. Learning has never been so much fun.
Well told story of the creation of the US Navy and the history of the original ships.
Outstanding book!!!!
This is a wonderfully written book at about the founding of the U.S. Navy and its role in subduing the Barbary pirates and later fighting the British during the War of 1812. Highly recommended.
Best read in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History, which provides a slightly different take on the historical facts.
I really enjoyed this book and learned quite a bit about the history of navy.
I like the way the history was presented and leaned much about the War of 1812 at sea..
This is a wonderful telling of the creation of the US Navy in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Very well written in that it immediately draws you into the fascinating, real-time stories of the challenges faced by the new nation as it tried to establish credibility and place in the world. It takes history and turns it into fascinating story telling.
Good read for early American history buffs. Beginnings of the U.S. navy – the politics of appropriations and funding, the shipyards that constructed them, the officers and sailors that manned them, and of course, the engagements that established our emerging fleet as a credible naval power.
Incredibly well written book about the origins of the US Navy. Ian Toll’s books should be on every lover of American history.