An Economist Best Book of 2004: "Destined to remain the reference on the subject for the coming generations."―U.S. Naval InstituteThe Command of the Ocean describes with unprecedented authority and scholarship the rise of Britain to naval greatness; and the central place of the Navy and naval activity in the life of the nation and government. Based on the author's own research in a dozen languages over more than a decade; it describes not just battles; voyages; and cruises but also how the Navy was manned; supplied; fed; and; above all; how it was financed and directed. N. A. M. Rodger provides convincing reassessments of such famous figures as Pepys; Hawke; Howe; and St. Vincent. The very particular and distinct qualities of Nelson and Collingwood are illuminatingly contrasted; and the world of officers and men who make up the originals of Jack Aubrey and Horatio Hornblower is brilliantly brought to life. Rodger's comparative view of other navies―French; Dutch; Spanish; and American―allows him to make a fresh assessment of the qualities of the British. 24 pages of illustrations
#126401 in Books Arthur Bernon Tourtellot 2000-04-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x .90 x 5.50l; .59 #File Name: 0393320561336 pagesLexington and Concord The Beginning of the War of the American Revolution
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I have been reading a lot about the American Revolution ...By Mary Jackson HaugenI have been reading a lot about the American Revolution recently including several books on the early stages of the war. Most of them describe in some detail the events that took place that day but this is the first I have read that goes into some detail about the citizens of those two communities and the surrounding area. The author includes a brief bio of members of the Lexington militia; the role of the local minister as the local militia members of Lexington consider what to do as the British approach their town. I have read so many times about the events of that day but this made the confrontation more real in human terms and also sadder as I read of the personal fate of militia members who were involved in the start of the American Revolution.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very readable historyBy Herman MelvilleIn the last month I have read; in order; "Bunker Hill" by Nathaniel Philbrick; "Paul Revere's Ride" by Fischer; and finally "Lexington and Concord." These three books tell essentially the same story; each focusing on a different historical figure. All are entertaining; well-written; and interesting. "Lexington and Concord;" though it gets off to a somewhat tedious and strange start by digressing into commentary directed against Calvinism; recovers quickly and becomes an enthralling account of what happened on April 18 and 19; 1775. The book ends with a coda describing the selection of Washington as commander of the new army surrounding the British at Boston as well as a brief discussion of what happened to many of the citizens of Lexington. (The war was not kind to many of them; underscoring what a risk it was for them to gather together on Lexington common to face off against the British Empire.) The author can be sarcastic when events call for it; and he offers generally negative observations not only about the British command structure in Boston but also about John Hancock. The best part of the book is his depiction of the actual fighting at Lexington; at Concord; and then on the running fight from Concord back to Charlestown. It reads like a movie. I highly recommend this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. There at the startBy avidreaderThat is how you will feel when reading this book. Tourtellot has combined facts in an interesting and easy read style that keeps you turning pages. A American Revolution devotee or a person with casual interest will enjoy this book
