Six Frigates - the Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy (Ian Toll, 2006)

(467 pages)

This was a highly interesting read, much liked.  Core premise was infant-US authorizing construction of six frigates - and taking the recommendation of some expert builder, these were larger than normal for this kind of vessel, though not as large as a ship of the line. But as hoped - they had good success against what previously were considered peer ships. A big lift for the US as it faced off with Britain (the acknowledged superpower in naval matters) in various venues.

The author is the same guy who did such a great job with the WWII Pacific theater trilogy (focused on the navy).  He makes things highly readable. 

So many interesting angles.

Partisan rancor from the get-go; concerns about the loss of freedom, loss of democracy, etc.

Decatur's rise - destroying the Philadelphia.

Looking to set up a puppet in Tripoli but backing off . . . also sounds very current.

The difficult life of sailors.

The idea that young hawks pushed the war of 1812, they did not remember the revolutionary war. This thought strikes me more and more often watching the 30 year cycles recur.

Utter lack of preparedness, getting pulled along by ridiculous war fever. 

Exact overlap with Napoleon's invasion of Russia and acceleration of Peninsular Campaign

USS Constitution - details of its escape at commencement of War of 1812 - kind of amazing that the ship still sails; that folks can walk its deck and pose alongside cannon (including college-age me)

Stories of sailing ships so interesting - weather mattered so much; but techniques also.  USS Constitution "escape" a good example - finding itself becalmed amidst overpowering British squadron - first it puts out small boats to tow, which the Brits match. Then a maneuver with super-long rope attached to anchor (they were in relatively shallower waters) - small boat puts anchor way ahead and the Constitution is more or less pulled toward the anchor.  Brits match but don't catch up; when wind rises, newly-debarnacled Constitution pulls away.

Details of combat, how commanders would issue positioning orders, deployment of sails - so many intricate things happening, absolutely fascinating

War of 1812 - my primary impression was that US got pushed around, Britain didn't pursue only because of Napoleon etc., and the peace accomplished exactly nothing - those impressions are basically correct but author emphasizes that the US did show some power and resolve that headed off getting further pushed around in its infancy - an important idea.