PDF Sea of Gray: The Around-the-World Odyssey of the Confederate Raider Shenandoah by Tom Chaffin in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Solid history of the C.S.S. ShenandoahBy J. G. LewisA reasonably well finished; and superbly researched; history of the last Confederate Flag that flew in Battle. And it flew understandably at Sea. The investigation for a book of this sort presumably could have take up a man's life and more; as the records are massive. But Mr. Chaffin was indeed diligent; and did his homework. I merely have a couple of reasonably small points against the book. Firstly; though the maps were good; and I enjoyed the use of the end papers in showing the make up of a Ship of Sail; and of the CSS Shenandoah's interior; I would rather have placed the critical Map of the Voyage as one of the end papers (probably replacing the former); as opposed to existing in the text as a two page map (this is really not a book about sailing; after all). ... The Bering Sea map might have been expanded to two pages; and perhaps introduced in the text at the chapter where the action occurred. Nonetheless; the maps as they exist -- and which are really critical for an appreciation of a voyage as great as this -- were good. Secondly; I thought his use and command of English could; at times; have been stronger. However; on the whole; I do recommend this book by Mr. Chaffin; and not only as a chronicle of the last Confederate raider; but also as journey of adventure and exploration; which at times it interestingly became. (...) As a final note; I like how the various prizes for the Shenandoah were clearly listed in an Appendix.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Shenandoah SwashbucklersBy carol williamsonSea of Gray by Tom Chaffin allowed me to look through the porthole of the Shenandoah's Odyssey from the equatorial homage paid to King Neptune to the deep freeze of the polar ice cap. This ship weathered the bloodiest storm in history; and continued sinking Northern whalers; long after the Treaty at Appomatox ended the War Between the States.Chaffin's writing is an historical narrative with strong journalistic undertones. As soon as I beganSea of Gray; Chaffin's vivid imagery pulled me right into the deep murky waters of the Confederacy. And although my Northern heart somewhat quakes at the thought; I found myself admiring the indominable spirit and tenacity of Captain James Waddell.Tom Chaffin resurrects the Shenandoah and its ghosts; and brings us with him on a wild ride with the marauder of the seas!10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Sea of Gray: The Around-the-World Odyssey of the Confederate Raider ShenandoahBy Late ReaderSea of Gray is simply the most complete and best written account of a Civil War event that I have read. I came away from this book feeling that I knew what day to day life on the Shenandoah was like. Mr. Chaffin's ability to reveal the minutia of the Civil War era sailor's toils and troubles is unsurpassed. It brought back many memories of my days at sea while serving in the U. S. Navy. Indeed; Mr. Chaffin is a master storyteller. I wholeheartedly recommend this book . . . a BIG 5 stars!