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 *

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.

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.