Flotilla: The Patuxent Naval Campaign in the War of 1812 (Johns Hopkins Books on the War of 1812)
As the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 approaches, Donald Shomette's book, updated from a similar work published by him in 1981, is a most appropriate addition to the literature.(Robert F. DunnWashington Times)Not simply a day-to-day history of the inception, fielding, fighting, and ultimate destruction of the Chesapeake Flotilla, but also a comprehensive view of the complex nature and incredible impact of the naval war of 1812 as it was played out on the turbid waters of the Patuxent River.(from the foreword by Fred W. Hopkins, Jr.)All scholars of the War of 1812 will be happy to have an updated version of this valuable tome available. Shomette is the leading authority on the subject, and his book is indispensable for understanding the war in the Chesapeake.(Donald R. Hickey, Wayne State College)Flotillais valuable both to those interested in naval history, and to those focusing on small boat and irregular warfare strategies. I highly recommend it.(Robert FarleyInformation Dissemination)A rare look at the complex nature of the naval war and its impact on the inhabitants of Tidewater Maryland and the nation's capitol at Washington, D.C... Shomette details all of this with meticulous research in archives on both sides of the Atlantic.(Past In Review)Flotillais a colorful, detailed history of Barney and his Sailors and the amphibiious war waged in the Chesapeake By in the summers of 1813 and 1814... Shomette makes clear, they provided the only light in one of the darkest periods in American military history.(Frederick C. LeinerProceedings)Flotillaoffers considered treatment of both the British and American sides of the Patuxtent campaign... an invaluable resource: a mine of information for scholars of the war, and more-than-penetrable for the casual reader.(Samuel NegusNorthern Mariner)It is well written, and filled with details and facts that bring the story of this campaign to life.(James GreathouseNautical Research Journal)Shomette is a scholar and a gifted writer, and his work is eminently readable as human drama... I heartily recommendFlotillaas essential to students of this war and to general readers of fine military history.(Richard BarbutoJournal of America's Military Past)The scholarship and breadth of understanding demonstrated in the new edition ofFlotillashine a bright light on this important part of our history, and make this an indispensable resource for students of the era.(Dennis KnepperMaritime Archaeological and Historical Society)Flotillais a delight to read, carefully crafted and nicely paced, mixing telling human interventions from key players with analysis of the unfolding drama. The illustrations, contemporary drawings, portraits and modern maps are ideally placed... This will be an essential text for students of war, and of maritime strategy.(Andrew LambertInternational Journal of Naval History)Flotillais a highly readable account for layman and scholar alike, and presents a much-needed examination of an aspect of this often overlooked war that is essential to any collection concerning the War of 1812 and naval history.(Cindy VallarPirates and Privateers)