Six Frigates Audiobook By Ian W. Toll cover art

Six Frigates

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Six Frigates

By: Ian W. Toll
Narrated by: Stephen Lang
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Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military had become the most divisive issue facing the new government. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect American commerce against the Mediterranean pirates, or drain the treasury and provoke hostilities with the great powers? The founders, particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams, debated these questions fiercely and switched sides more than once. How much of a navy would suffice? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful warships.

From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliffhanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and a narrative flair worthy of Patrick O'Brian. According to Henry Adams, the 1812 encounter between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere "raised the United States in one half hour to the rank of a first class power in the world."

©2006 Ian W. Toll (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved. Americas Military Pirate Naval History

Critic reviews

"Toll provides perspective by seamlessly incorporating the era's political and diplomatic history into his superlative single-volume narrative, a must-read for fans of naval history and the early American Republic." (Publishers Weekly)
Engaging Storytelling • Detailed Naval History • Excellent Narration • Fascinating Historical Account • Clear Delivery
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Six Frigates tells the story of the early years of the American Navy focused primarily on its first six "Heavy Frigates." We learn of the politics surrounding the debate over whether a navy was truely needed as well as its equiping and manning. Battles are described in exciting detail. We come to understand the important role the little American Navy played in strengthening the nation's role in international politics.

I found the writing clear, never dull. And the narration was clear and engaging, never losing me in a monotone dialog but also never overdiong the exciting parts.

Who would be interested in this book? If you have enjoyed the "Master and Commander" series for its historical and naval aspects, you will find this book a marvelous companion. If you enjoy colonial and american military history as much as I, then you will probably consider this a good addition to your collection. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

A

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I wish it hadn’t been abridged. It’s such a fantastic book in its entirety and Stephen Lang is an amazing narrator.

One complaint…

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Just enjoyed this book alot. Not knowing alot about this time frame it was a good book to learn about and makes me want more

Great book

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An excellent reminder for Americans that the war of 1812 was not an unqualified victory — essentially both sides ended up where they started. But the United States gained strength and confidence, and the British became much wiser. Very little consolation for those who were left without husbands or families with cripples, but that’s history, isn’t it? A good, balanced listen all the same.

Balanced view of British-American relation 1800-1815

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An fantastic book, well read by Stephen Lang, on the founding of the US Navy. Perhaps a little too much undefined naval jargon for an Army Officer like myself to understand, but easily able to follow all the main points.

Great Book on the Start of the Navy

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everything about it was great but it was a little short. it could have gone into more detail.

a short good read

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Six Frigates

Ian W Toll

This book is, as stated in the title, about the six major ships which virtually created the US Navy.

But Toll successfully brings to life for the reader how much more important these ships, their commanders and their crews were to history. They played integral roles in the political and societal growth of America and the world at large.

Definitely worth reading.

Excellent

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Narration is clear.

Not only do we learn much about this initial fleet, we also learn how ships of the era differed and why certain designs were superior to others. We also learn much about the sailors’ lives at sea and geopolitics as affected by naval power.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Interesting naval history

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If you enjoyed John Adams and 1776 (not the same author, but similar in genre), you'll love Six Frigates. As is usually the case with this type of book, I feel the need to listen a second time to catch the details I missed, but it will be as pleasant the second time as it was the first. Great book, well read and it gave me tidbits to share at my next get-together with friends.

Excellent

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I found "Six Frigates" extremely enjoyable and accurate. Carefully placed and dramatic details create a historically believable atmosphere and characters. Relying heavily on first person accounts the early history of the US Navy is brought to life in a factual and unromantic fashion that is refreshing to the ears of any history buff.

Bring US Naval History to Life

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