Book: Six Frigates

Just finished Six Frigates by Ian Toll (W. W. Norton, Oct 2006). Two thumbs up. The story of the first serious American warships and their fights (1794-c.1815). USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and her sisters. Decatur, Preble, and peers.

book cover - six frigates

Built on primary source research, eclectic coverage from shipbuilding to politics to Teddy Roosevelt (!), and a great read. Thanks for the gift, lads.

Anybody else read this?

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4 responses to “Book: Six Frigates”

  1. scott smart Avatar
    scott smart

    Thanks for the heads up. I will have to take a look. I am a retired naval engineering duty officer, and we trace our lineage to the six ship constructors authorized by Congress in 1794 to oversee construction of these frigates.

  2. Brian Avatar

    I hope it’s a good steer, Scott. I’ve long had an appreciation for sea stories and Naval history, so was hoping to like this one. I spent some time at sea myself, tho’ not under sail 🙂

  3. Garr Davidson Avatar
    Garr Davidson

    I’m reading Six Frigates now. Well researched and well written. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in naval history, or the earliest days of the U.S. history. Great historical detail– a nice read.

  4. Brian Avatar

    Thanks for your perspective, Garr. I felt the same way about the book.

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