The Pirate Coast

Thomas Jefferson, The First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805

By: Richard Zacks

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

After Tripoli declared war on the United States in 1801, Barbary pirates captured 300 U.S. sailors and marines. President Jefferson sent navy squadrons to the Mediterranean, but he also authorized a secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli. He chose an unlikely diplomat, William Eaton, to lead the mission, but before Eaton departed, Jefferson grew wary of the affair and withdrew his support.

Astoundingly, Eaton persevered, gathering a ragtag army, including eight U.S. Marines, and leading them on a brutal march across 500 miles of desert. After surviving sandstorms, treachery, and near death from thirst, Eaton achieved a remarkable victory on "the shores of Tripoli", as commemorated in the Marine Corps Hymn. His triumph gained freedom for the American hostages and newfound respect for the young United States, but for Eaton, the aftermath wasn't sweet. When he dared to reveal that the president had abandoned him, Jefferson set out to crush him.

©2005 Richard Zacks (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Zacks has researched thoroughly, writes entertainingly, and shows a knack for sea stories and characterization. This is the book that Captain Eaton has long deserved." (Publishers Weekly)
"Zacks does an expert job of explaining the diplomacy and machinations of the U.S. government....Where Zacks excels is in his research, quipping asides, and loving grasp of the subject" (Kirkus Reviews)

A hero, a war with muslims, a slick president

Richard Zack's second book about pirates and piracies, "The Pirate Hunter" being the first, is an excellent read. In command of the most fitting language he sets a standard for historical writing. His recollection of an almost forgotten historic affair is breathtaking. All of his conclusions are backed up by primary sources, which he quotes frequently. Among the surprising facts is not only that America forgot a truly unforgettable hero in William Eaton, but also that the conflict with the Muslim culture of slavery and piracy is not new. Thomas Jefferson's role in the aftermath of the described incident is surprisingly shameful and eerily modern and the author deserves much praise to identify and prove the president's conflict between political interests and moral, short-term and long-term interests. If the Tripoli incident had been backed up by Hamilton and finished by Eaton as planned - maybe we would not have the problems we have today. This book will be a classic and serve for many years as a source that determines the roots and reasons of conflict between Muslims and Americans. The narrator, Raymond Todd, does his job well. Even though the first chapter is read rather amateurishly, where he lowers the voice at the end of each sentence in a boring, unappealing fashion, he becomes much livelier towards the end. It is though not the task of the voice actor, but of the editor or producer to ensure this type of issue. I am looking forward to listen to more books read by Mr. Todd and authored by Mr. Zack.

A great Listen

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it provided a candid window into the disfunctinal proces of our democratic government. The lesson I learned is that regardless of the egos and politics, our government and country will prevail due to the patriotism audacity and daring of the American Spirit. May we never loose it!!

Remarkable Journey by A Remarkable Man

No doubt American history is teeming with individuals who have virtually disappeared from history books but at one glorious moment held the nation in awe of their achievements. "General" Eaton was certainly one of those characters. This is his story. Although the author has an affinity for wandering off the subject to fill in some rather trivial details, it is Eaton's story and his alone that makes this a worthwhile listen.

Interesting account

Great story but only download if you enjoy your audiobooks read by a speed reader with little inflection.

Read Jefferson's War Instead

If you are tempted by this book, please read Jefferson's War instead.

This book is an extremely detailed biography of William Eaton, and it is well-written with respect to historical detail and (presumably) accuracy, as it refers frequently to primary sources. However, it is too detailed in many ways and frustratingly lacking in providing a broader context to the events it describes. The narration is adequate, but the narrator's voice is definitely not suited to this story and several mispronunciations are grating. The author also seems intent on portraying certain characters (particularly Eaton and Bainbridge) in a certain light and ignores or downplays inconvenient facts.

The book Jefferson's War covers these same events, it starts earlier in time and describes the events more objectively and in a broader historical context. After listening to The Pirate Coast, I came across Jefferson's War and bought it to fill in the frustrating blanks left in my sense of this historical period. It did so very capably.

Amazing

Unbelievable detail. Those who love history will thoroughly enjoy this book. You come to know the main character of this non-fiction in vivid detail. The stories of courage and patriotism during the birth of our nation is refreshing.

William Eatons Biography

A biography of William Eaton and lambasting of Tobias Lear this does well both showing the lead up and lingering effects of the Barbary War.

Good History review

Very well done. Exellent narrator to tell this remarkable story of a man who has strong honor but conflicted views on many things in his life.

It stopped in the middle

I can't believe that this story dragged us on for several hours while Eaton got his act together for his big mission and then just stopped before the mission was launched. Really a big disappointment.

Great true story

Well researched, should be made into a mini-series. i need twelve more words for this review to be accepted