Six Frigates – The Epic History of the Founding of the US Navy - Hardcover

Toll, Ian W

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393058476 ISBN 13: 9780393058475

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co., 2006

Synopsis

Describes the origins and early history of the American Navy, discussing the debates by the founding fathers over the need for a permanent military, the decision to construct six heavy frigates, the campaign against Tripoli, and the War of 1812.

About this title

Review:

Sweeping in scope, full of vivid descriptions... solidly grounded in the diplomatic landscape... a masterly work. --Chris Patsilelis

[A] wonderfully atmospheric account, brilliantly researched, full of stirring action and rich with the scent of the sea. --Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman

[Ian Toll] succeeds splendidly. His factual story is as exciting as any of Patrick O'Brian's fictional seafaring tales.

Gripping... a masterful narrative... Toll captures the ambivalence of the government, and its reluctance to pay for even a tiny navy, very well. --Joe Mysak

Toll has a light touch, much like noted historian David McCullough; well-researched facts are carefully balanced by smooth narrative flow.... The result is a thoroughly readable book that adds depth and significance to an important era of American history. --Bruce Linder

A superb, page-turning history of America's first truly difficult set of political military decisions.... A great, sprawling, and fascinating tale. --Admiral James Stavridis, U.S. Navy

Ian W. Toll writes with such an arresting energy. He evokes the world of Patrick O'Brian, the salt-stained ruthlessness of naval commanders, the carnage of the broadside and the surgeon's saw, but also conjures a lost American landscape. --Tim Gardam

Vibrant and comprehensive, Toll makes an impressive debut. --Gilbert Taylor

Sweeping in scope, full of vivid descriptions... solidly grounded in the diplomatic landscape... a masterly work.--Chris Patsilelis

[A] wonderfully atmospheric account, brilliantly researched, full of stirring action and rich with the scent of the sea.--Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman

About the Author:

Ian W. Toll is the author of Pacific Crucible, and Six Frigates, winner of the Samuel Eliot Morison Award and the William E. Colby Award. He lives in San Francisco and New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co.
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0393058476
• ISBN 13: 9780393058475
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 592