On War is the most significant attempt in Western history to understand war; both in its internal dynamics and as an instrument of policy. Since the work's first appearance in 1832; it has been read throughout the world; and has stimulated generations of soldiers; statesmen; and intellectuals.
#598000 in Books William Morrow 2000-06-20 2000-06-20Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.01 x 6.13l; #File Name: 0688167934304 pages
Review
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Informative; hardly "The True Story"; but still a good readBy Walter O. KoenigThe good aspects of this book are that is quite informative and easyto read. Nautical terms are clearly defined and easy tounderstand. Several charts explain the Profile; Deck; Spar Plan;Sailing Plan; Points of Sail; and Wind and Water Currents. Diagramsalso explain how a full-rigged ship is tacked (turned) and follow thecourse of the ship during its maiden voyage; which was mostinteresting around Cape Horn. Several photographs reproduce a paintingand engraving of the "Flying Cloud"; its builder DonaldMcKay; and Captain Creesy. Unfortunately no photo of Mrs. Creesy isreproduced. Still the charts; diagrams and photographs are veryhelpful.Another good aspect of the book is that Shaw provides quitea lot of information regarding the "Flying Cloud"; which iswhy I bought the book.... Information is also given on how much waterwas carried; that it was for drinking and not bathing; and what typeof provisioning was loaded. Shaw writes about the nature of the cargoand that the value of the shipping costs equalled "FlyingCloud's" building costs. We are informed about the contents ofthe Medicine Cabinet; about the livestock taken aboard; aboutCelestial Navigation; the fact that fresh foods iced lasted for over amonth; and much more. Here the book is very strong.The book isreally about Captain Creesy's wife; Eleanor; who was the navigator onthe journey described; and who worked as a partner with herhusband. Shaw tries very hard to show what an intelligent and unusualperson she was for her time; or really any time at all; and what anexcellent navigator she was. She is portayed as a kind; sensitive;concerned and brave person; popular with both passengers and crewalike; devoted to her husband and the ship. I can imagine that it musthave been difficult to recreate her persona; from the doubtless scantsources. Shaw brings this off fairly well.The worst aspect of thisbook is that it is not the "True Story" of the FlyingCloud. All dialogues; and fortunately there are not too many; areinvented; and are times rather tedious. For example; tender momentsbetween Captain Creesy and his wife are not credible; and are alsowritten; as most of the other dialogues; in an unmistakable TwentiethCentury Style. This greatly distracts from the Story. Other dialogues;such as that of the Captain and the first Mate; Thomas Austin; arealso much too obviously contrived; as are those between thepassengers; which are just plain unbelievable. Shaw should not havetitled the Book "The True Story"; or he should have notincluded dialogues. It seems that Mr. Shaw had difficulties with thesesections as the style shifts markedly between these and the maritimeportions of the book; where he is much more knowledgable and obviouslymore comfortable. For the reader these shifts aredistracting.....Also Shaw would havedone well to work with an Editor to correct the many stylistic flaws;especially in the dialogues. Had he done so; the book would have beengreat; instead of just a good read; and could have become a classicbook in an often overlooked area of American History. I stillrecommend this book for leisurly reading. It's enjoyable to read andinformative.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good ReadBy plantdudeI have had a love affair with Flying Cloud since I was a school boy. (No; I wasn't around to ride on it! lol) But I never knew about the captain's wife being the navigator. Since I now have 3 granddaughters (11;9; 7); I think it will be an adventure for them to learn about this "remarkable for her time" woman who succeeded (and excelled) at a profession that was normally performed only by men. Indeed; most sailors considered it bad luck for there to be a woman on board a ship; captain's wife or not. While presenting a very detailed; technical (at least for this "lubber"); and factual history from "birth" to "death" of this amazing vessel; it often reads like a historical fiction novel; due to the author fleshing out the Captain and Mrs Creesy; the passengers; the officers and some of the crew. I think "my girls" will find Ellen Creesy's accomplishments to be an inspiration as they grow into young women in this country where anyone can still achieve great accomplishments; and succeed at what you put your mind to.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Flying Cloud was part of my pastBy SteveWhen I was in my mid teens; a long time ago; I joined the Sea Scout Ship "Flying Cloud". This action has had an impact on my entire life. While a Sea Scout we were walking distance from an on the water maritime museum. Birthed the museum was a 300 foot full rigged ship. These and other things became a part of me.Reading "Flying Cloud"; the story was fiction based upon fact. It gave me and anyone that would take the time to read it; an incite to the hardships that the common sailor faced on a daily basis. The story went deep into the living conditions or lack there of; of a sailor man. It was a gripping story and told of the courage of both the ships officers and crew. Working on a yard 100 feet or more above the deck with fierce winds; ice and snow; to make repairs to broken gear for hours on end without food or drink; "Flying Cloud" makes for a great read.
