Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates

The Forgotten War That Changed American History

By: Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Brian Kilmeade

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"The challenges we face today are not so different from Jefferson's, and we've much to learn from his boldness and from the courage of the marines and sailors who died to protect their country." (Brian Kilmeade)

This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation.

When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford.

Over the previous 15 years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco). Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy - at least not while easy money could be made by extorting America, France, England, and other powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the US Navy's new warships and a detachment of marines to blockade Tripoli - launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status.

As they did in their previous best seller, George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you listening to find out what happens next.

©2015 Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Thomas Jefferson. Pirates. And national security. This is how you make history exciting. I dare you to put this book down.” (Brad Meltzer, best-selling author of The President’s Shadow)

“Reads like a fast-paced thriller but is actually a thoughtful account of America’s first foray into what has become a complex part of the world.” (General Stanley McChrystal (ret.), author of Team of Teams)

“A riveting book of history that reads as though it were ripped from today’s headlines, and a must read for anyone seeking an understanding of the roots of U.S. foreign policy.” (Admiral James Stavridis (ret.), former supreme allied commander at NATO; dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University)

Interesting history - terrible narrator

My husband & I enjoy listening to non-fiction when we travel. We especially enjoy historical accounts. The story here is an interesting one, but I would NEVER listen to this narrator again. His voice grates. He speaks way too fast and everything is made to sound exciting and over the top. Not our cup of tea.

Poorly Narrated

I absolutely loved the story of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates. Unfortunately, I found Brian Kilmeade’s narration grating. The reading was not smooth or consistent. Instead, I found it to be choppy. The narration was rapid and emphatic, almost agressive, throughout the entire production. His tone and inflection often did not match the action/inaction of the story. I know this sounds terrible, but listening to Brian read was like listening to that one person in middle school who was so bad at reading that when he was called on to read a passage out loud in English class, every student groaned under their breath.

I will not purchase another audible production narrated by Brian Kilmeade. If his other books are as well-written and captivating as this story was, he really should splurge on a professional narrator. Until he does, I’ll have to pass on any of his other, or future, Audible books.

Riveting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would and I have . . . history recounted in an intriguing way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates?

How Jefferson refused to follow France and England's example of appeasing the Ottoman Empire by paying huge ransoms for safe passage and instead stood up to the most powerful force on earth . . . and won!

What about Brian Kilmeade’s performance did you like?

Passionate . . . inspiring!

It was less of a reading and more of someone telling a story. Great job.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

TJ gives birth to the purely American quality of standing up against bullies . . . no matter the odds.

Any additional comments?

Kilmeade and Yeager do it again!

Great content poor performance

This is a perfect example of why an author should not read their own material, or at least not listen to a producer who suggests “read with enthusiasm!” I felt jerked around most of the time with pacing that ended every other sentence with an exclamation point or half the sentence read in all caps. It was terribly distracting. This should have been read more like a lecture than a theater production. In my opinion.

Great story. Poorly read

The authors speech pattern is one of the most annoying I have ever heard. It was almost as if he doesn't recognize the punctuation that I'm sure he wrote within his text. Commas can't be your friend, both in writing and in reading aloud. Too bad.

Important history every American needs to know!

What did you love best about Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates?

Detailed history of the lives of the American historical figures coming together to deal a huge blow to the progression of Islam. This method worked then, I think it will work now if God gives us the courage and will to fight and His blessing to win.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Brain Kilmeade reads kinda fast sometimes and it can get annoying where he puts emphasis.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, we listened as a family on a long drive across the country.

Great Historical Read

This book kept me going. I didn't want to turn it off. It's amazing how politics has remained the same over the years.

Great Story! But read way too fast!

I loved the actual story. I knew little about this part of our history so I was quite enlightened by Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates. I listened to it twice so I could assimilate the information better. My only complaint is the narrator read too quickly. He gave new meaning to the "New York Minute". Even so, I feel it would be a worthy listen despite of the quick reading by the narrator.

Wonderfully written...

This historical account is indeed written as a fast-paced thriller! Unfortunately it is read by Mr. Kilmeade in a fast-paced manner that does make it difficult to follow in the audio version by myself and my husband. Fortunately We were given a paper back copy with which we were able to read, study the maps and enjoy the illustrations!

Brian, stick to your day job

A compelling bit of history that is instructive for the situation the civilized world finds itself in today. However, Brian Kilmeade's narration was way too rushed for my ears. This works on Fox & Friends when time is constrained, but I prefer a little more relaxed pace when listening to a book. He sounds Iike he's rushing through chapters so he can take a bathroom break!