The Shores of Tripoli

Lieutenant Putnam and the Barbary Pirates

By: James L. Haley

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

“The history is thoroughly researched, the fiction inventive, the style at once easygoing and rapid. … This is a marvelous and richly enjoyable novel, and the intended series to follow promises to do for the American Navy and the Marines what C.S. Forester and Patrick O’Brian did for the Royal Navy. … More, please.” --Wall Street Journal

The first novel in a brilliant new series by award-winning historian James L. Haley, featuring young midshipman Bliven Putnam as he begins his naval service aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

It is 1801 and President Thomas Jefferson has assembled a deep-water navy to fight the growing threat of piracy, as American civilians are regularly kidnapped by Islamist brigands and held for ransom, enslaved, or killed, all at their captors’ whim. The Berber States of North Africa, especially Tripoli, claimed their faith gave them the right to pillage anyone who did not submit to their religion.

Young Bliven Putnam, great-nephew of Revolutionary War hero Israel Putnam, is bound for the Mediterranean and a desperate battle with the pirate ship Tripoli. He later returns under legendary Commodore Edward Preble on the Constitution, and marches across the Libyan desert with General Eaton to assault Derna—discovering the lessons he learns about war, and life, are not what he expected.

Rich with historical detail and cracking with high-wire action, The Shores of Tripoli brings this amazing period in American history to life with brilliant clarity.

“James L. Haley has taken the naval adventure genre to places it has not gone before, filled with strong, believable characters who nearly jump of the page, deeply researched details of life both here and abroad...and a powerful, sweeping view of one of the seminal events in the early history of our country...a rollicking good time.”—Brian Kilmeade, author of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates

“Page-turning action...Haley’s deck-by-deck tour of the legendary frigate is fascinating.”—Kirkus Reviews

This naval adventure compares most favorably to Lambdin and Kent.

I have never found an historical naval fiction novel of the US Navy most superb as this. mostly I am a fan of British Naval fiction as coming from Dewey Lambdin, C.S. Forester and Alexander Kent. This novel and I hope subsequent stories encompasses all the elements of those previously named authors. The details of gun practice are perhaps even better presented than that of the other authors. I really enjoyed those details and also the emotional feelings of all the characters in this wonderful story.

Great story on the barbary pirate war

Great story about the barbary pirate war. I enjoyed it. Follows history very well. I would recommend this book.

The narration was excellent

The historical background is very accurate and describes the actions the United States took to counter the Barbary Pirates.

Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood?

I’m not sure if it’s the writing or the narration, but it was often agonizing for me to listen to. Half the time I felt like I was listening to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood

Enjoyable Listen!

It has a little bit of everything...tumultuous times, a little romance, and even a little humor here and there.

I enjoyed hearing about the historical aspects, such as how food was preserved during these times and just how different life was.

The narration is excellent with a variety of tones, pitches, and dictions so you can really tell the characters apart. Paul Boehmer has a very theatrical voice and reminds me of being at a Broadway play.

I love it!