About The Book

IF BY SEA is the definitive history of the founding of the United States Navy. It charts forty tumultuous years of false starts, failures and triumphs, as the fledgling republic sought to establish its place in the world. From the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775 to Yorktown in 1781; from the Quasi-War with France and the War with Tripoli, and from the great naval battles of the War of 1812 to New Orleans, the need for and prospects of an American navy were very much in question. During the Federalist Era (1789-1801), in particular, even as other national institutions were moving from the words of the Constitution to the reality of a workable republican government, the founding fathers were embroiled in a vicious partisan fight over the navy's very existence. Indeed, the political bickering went on and on, well into the next century, ending only when the navy, through its undeniable record of achievement during the War of 1812, proved indispensable to the country's defense and to the peace that followed.
* WINNER OF THE 2008 SAMUEL ELIOT MORISON AWARD *

*THE FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM BOOK AWARD: HONORABLE MENTION FOR 2009 *

* SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE BEST SELLER *

* MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM BEST SELLER *

Friday, December 11, 2009

Journal of Southern History Review of "If By Sea"

The Journal of Southern History has published a new book review of "If By Sea". The review is written by Craig L Symonds, author of "Lincoln's Admirals". You can see excerpts from the review on the news and review page of this blog.
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Sunday, November 1, 2009

November 10 in Falmouth

Tuesday, November 10, noon - one. In honor of our veterans I'll be speaking about "If By Sea" at the "Lunch Box Friends" monthly gathering at the Falmouth Public Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. You are invited to bring your lunch. If you already have a copy of the book bring it along and I'll be happy to sign it for you. There will be books available if you need a copy.
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Quincy Historical Society

Saturday, November 7. I'll be speaking at the Military History Symposium at the Quincy Historical Society. If you'll be attending that event I will see you there.
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Friday, September 4, 2009

Annapolis

I'm off to Annapolis on Sept 10th and 11th for the Naval Symposium where I will be a panel speaker. If you are coming to the symposium I'll be looking forward to meeting you.
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Monday, June 8, 2009

June Events

I have a few events scheduled for June. In particular if you are in the Marshfield, Mass area please join us on June 23. See the events page for details.
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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Fraunces Tavern Museum

I'll be in New York this week to receive an award from the Sons of the American Revolution. If you are a member I look forward to meeting you at the dinner at the Fraunces Tavern.
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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Mystic, Connecticut

Just a reminder for the folks in Connecticut. I'll be at the bookstore at Mystic Seaport on Friday April 17 and Sat April 18 from 2-4. More information on the events page. Hope you'll stop by.
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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award

"If By Sea" has received an Honorable Mention for the prestigious 2009 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award. This award will be given by the Sons of the American Revolution at the Tavern in New York on April 27. See the News and Reviews page for more information.
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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Portsmouth, NH and Mystic Seaport

My next event is in Portsmouth, NH at the Portsmouth Yacht Club dinner. This is for members only but if you are a member please plan to attend.

For my Connecticut friends, I'll be at Mystic Seaport on April 17 and 18. Hope you'll be able to stop by. See the events page for more details.
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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Portland Public Library

My next event will be on Wednesday February 18 at noon at the Portland Public Library. Their Brown Bag lunches are well known here in Portland. Hope you'll be able to join us for a conversation about If By Sea.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009

This Week

On Wednesday night, Feb 4, I'll be speaking at the University of Massachusetts Club in Boston. If you happen to be a member I hope you'll be able to attend.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Portland Public Library

The Portland Public Library event was changed from today to Wednesday February 18. I hope that didn't inconvenience anyone and that you'll be able to attend at noon on the 18th.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

January 21

I'm back in Portland and will be speaking at the Portland Public Library brown bag lunch on Wednesday Jan 21. Please stop by if you're in town to discuss "If By Sea".
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Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy New Year

Best wishes to everyone for 2009. I have just posted the new calender and added a few events that are already scheduled. There will be other events which I will post as the dates are confirmed. Click on the events page to see the schedule. I've had a wonderful time at all of the 2008 events, they've taken me to so many wonderful places and I've met so many interesting people. I look forward to seeing some new and some old friends at the 2009 events.
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