Six Frigates: The Epic Historical past of the Founding of the U.S. Navy

“A fluent, clever historical past…give[s] the reader a really feel for the human quirks and harsh calls for of life at sea.”―New York Occasions E book Assessment

Earlier than the ink was dry on the U.S. Structure, the institution of a everlasting army turned probably the most divisive challenge dealing with the brand new authorities. The founders―significantly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams―debated fiercely. Would a standing military be the skinny finish of dictatorship? Would a navy shield from pirates or drain the treasury and provoke hostility? Britain alone had tons of of highly effective warships.

From the choice to construct six heavy frigates, by means of the cliff-hanger marketing campaign in opposition to Tripoli, to the struggle that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand story with the political perception of Founding Brothers and the narrative aptitude of Patrick O’Brian.