Six Frigates

The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy

De: Ian W. Toll

Narrado por: Stephen Lang

Before the ink was dry on the Constitution of the United States, the establishment of a permanent military had become the most divisive issue facing the young republic. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect American commerce from the vicious depredations of the Barbary pirates, or would it drain the treasury and provoke hostilities with the great powers? How large a navy would suffice? The founders -- particularly Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and Adams -- debated these questions fiercely and switched sides more than once.

In 1794, President Washington signed legislation authorizing the construction of six heavy frigates. The unique combination of power, speed and tactical versatility -- smaller than a battleship and larger than a sloop -- that all navies sent on their most daring missions. It was the first great appropriation of federal money and the first demonstration of the power of the new central government, calling for the creation of entirely new domestic industries, and the extraction of natural resources from the backwoods of Maine to the uninhabited coastal islands of Georgia.

From the complicated politics of the initial decision, 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. In the words of Henry Adams, the 1812 encounter between 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Wonderfully atmospheric...brilliantly researched, full of stirring action and rich with the scent of the sea."
-- Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman

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

Balanced view of British-American relation 1800-1815

An excellent reminder for Americans that the war of 1812 was not an unqualified victory — essentially both sides ended up where they started. But the United States gained strength and confidence, and the British became much wiser. Very little consolation for those who were left without husbands or families with cripples, but that’s history, isn’t it? A good, balanced listen all the same.

Great Book on the Start of the Navy

An fantastic book, well read by Stephen Lang, on the founding of the US Navy. Perhaps a little too much undefined naval jargon for an Army Officer like myself to understand, but easily able to follow all the main points.

a short good read

everything about it was great but it was a little short. it could have gone into more detail.

Excellent

Six Frigates

Ian W Toll

This book is, as stated in the title, about the six major ships which virtually created the US Navy.

But Toll successfully brings to life for the reader how much more important these ships, their commanders and their crews were to history. They played integral roles in the political and societal growth of America and the world at large.

Definitely worth reading.

Interesting naval history

Narration is clear.

Not only do we learn much about this initial fleet, we also learn how ships of the era differed and why certain designs were superior to others. We also learn much about the sailors’ lives at sea and geopolitics as affected by naval power.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

gripping tail well written history

Great narration and perfect length of story. more of 1812 is often overlooked as founding of US Navy

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!