Perilous fight
Subtitle: America's intrepid war with Britain on the high seas, 1812-1815
By: Stephen Budiansky
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Published: 2010
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 422
ISBN-13: 9780307270696
Subjects: Naval operations; Naval History; History
Description: Budiansky shows that, far from an indecisive and unnecessary conflict--as historians have long dismissed the War of 1812--this "forgotten war" had profound consequences that would change the course of naval warfare, America's place in the world, and the rules of international conflict forever. Never again would the great powers challenge the young republic's sovereignty in the aftermath of the stunning performance of America's navy and privateersmen. Drawing extensively on diaries, letters, and personal accounts from both sides, Budiansky re-creates the encounters at sea, the intimate hopes and fears of vainglorious captains and young seamen in search of adventure, and the behind-the-scenes political intrigue and maneuvering in Washington and London.--From publisher description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [391]-402) and index.
Table of contents: title: In Barbary; title: Honor's shoals; title: "A defense worthy of republicans"; title: "The present war, unexpected, unnecessary, and ruinous"; title: Love of fame is a noble passion; title: Walls of wood; title: "You shall now feel the effects of war"; title: The far side of the world; title: "My country I fear has forgot me"; title: Fortunes of war; title: "Praise to God for the restoration of peace".