Six Frigates

By: Ian W. Toll

Narrated by: Stephen Lang

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military had become the most divisive issue facing the new government. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect American commerce against the Mediterranean pirates, or drain the treasury and provoke hostilities with the great powers? The founders, particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams, debated these questions fiercely and switched sides more than once. How much of a navy would suffice? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful warships.

From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliffhanger 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 a narrative flair worthy of Patrick O'Brian. According to Henry Adams, the 1812 encounter between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere "raised the United States in one half hour to the rank of a first class power in the world."

©2006 Ian W. Toll (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Toll provides perspective by seamlessly incorporating the era's political and diplomatic history into his superlative single-volume narrative, a must-read for fans of naval history and the early American Republic." (Publishers Weekly)

Outstanding Book!

Ian W. Toll is simply a phenomenal writer. This book was so good there's nothing negative I can say about it with the exception that I wished it had been longer. While the book had moments where the political was explained in depth I would not say so to a point of minutia that had no bearing. It was a very complete and a very well presented account and I do believe Toll gave a balanced amount of information about these warships and their place in the nation’s history.

I was first introduced to Toll after listening to The Conquering Tide followed by Pacific Crucible. While I enjoy history I've never had a great affinity to listen to history earlier then the 20th century. This book has changed my outlook. Stephen Lang did an incredible job of telling this story and I believe this is another case of the narrator adding to the book even though the book can stand on its own merits.

This book evoked emotion and made me proud to be an American and very proud of the U.S. Navy. The descriptions of the launching of the United States and the first battle engagement of the Constitution brought up an overwhelming pride in our nation and the unique place that the United States has in the world.

I am awaiting more historical books from Toll. I really feel that if you like history you'll love this book and if you don't like history you'll love this book and you'll start to like history. Click on “Add to Cart” now!

Disappointment Mixed With Great Enthusiasm

While I most thoroughly enjoyed the story and the excellence of the narrator, I was disappointed in the abridged sections which in my opinion resulted in a loss of much of the associated color of the tale. Otherwise an interesting and enjoyable tale of the origins of our nation’s development.

Great book to learn and be entertained with

Great storytelling and excellent history makes this book a must read for those who like history and especially those who enjoy naval history

Navy Leadership Must reas

Stories and accounts from battles of Tripoli and War of 1812. true seamanship and origins of our Navy.

Naval News

I knew the names of many of the naval heroes but didn't comprehend the magnitude of their deeds. I particularly liked the Barbary Pirates sections.

Superbly written and performed!

Former U.S. Navy Captain and naval history fanatic. This book was historically accurate while reading like a novel. I’m searching for more works by both author and narrator.

Ian Toll captures some great stories of the early American navy

I enjoyed listening to the early history of the American navy. Some of the naval actions are incredible - almost shocked there isn’t a movie about them

A

Six Frigates tells the story of the early years of the American Navy focused primarily on its first six "Heavy Frigates." We learn of the politics surrounding the debate over whether a navy was truely needed as well as its equiping and manning. Battles are described in exciting detail. We come to understand the important role the little American Navy played in strengthening the nation's role in international politics.

I found the writing clear, never dull. And the narration was clear and engaging, never losing me in a monotone dialog but also never overdiong the exciting parts.

Who would be interested in this book? If you have enjoyed the "Master and Commander" series for its historical and naval aspects, you will find this book a marvelous companion. If you enjoy colonial and american military history as much as I, then you will probably consider this a good addition to your collection. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

One complaint…

I wish it hadn’t been abridged. It’s such a fantastic book in its entirety and Stephen Lang is an amazing narrator.

Great book

Just enjoyed this book alot. Not knowing alot about this time frame it was a good book to learn about and makes me want more