
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates
The Forgotten War That Changed American History
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $13.50
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Brian Kilmeade
"The challenges we face today are not so different from Jefferson's, and we've much to learn from his boldness and from the courage of the marines and sailors who died to protect their country." (Brian Kilmeade)
This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation.
When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford.
Over the previous 15 years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco). Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy - at least not while easy money could be made by extorting America, France, England, and other powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the US Navy's new warships and a detachment of marines to blockade Tripoli - launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status.
As they did in their previous best seller, George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you listening to find out what happens next.
©2015 Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (P)2015 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
“Thomas Jefferson. Pirates. And national security. This is how you make history exciting. I dare you to put this book down.” (Brad Meltzer, best-selling author of The President’s Shadow)
“Reads like a fast-paced thriller but is actually a thoughtful account of America’s first foray into what has become a complex part of the world.” (General Stanley McChrystal (ret.), author of Team of Teams)
“A riveting book of history that reads as though it were ripped from today’s headlines, and a must read for anyone seeking an understanding of the roots of U.S. foreign policy.” (Admiral James Stavridis (ret.), former supreme allied commander at NATO; dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University)
Featured Article: Go on a Swashbuckling Adventure with These Pirate Audiobooks and Podcasts
From classic sagas of buccaneers commanding the seas to fantasy novels featuring high-tech spacefarers, there's something about pirates that gets our hearts pumping and imaginations soaring! If you love a good adventure story, then you'll want to be sure to check out this list of the best audiobooks and podcasts with pirates, featuring both fiction and nonfiction. Whether you're a seadog or scallywag, a kid or grown up, find your next great pirate listen here.
People who viewed this also viewed...


















Interesting history - terrible narrator
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I will not purchase another audible production narrated by Brian Kilmeade. If his other books are as well-written and captivating as this story was, he really should splurge on a professional narrator. Until he does, I’ll have to pass on any of his other, or future, Audible books.
Poorly Narrated
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would and I have . . . history recounted in an intriguing way.What was one of the most memorable moments of Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates?
How Jefferson refused to follow France and England's example of appeasing the Ottoman Empire by paying huge ransoms for safe passage and instead stood up to the most powerful force on earth . . . and won!What about Brian Kilmeade’s performance did you like?
Passionate . . . inspiring!It was less of a reading and more of someone telling a story. Great job.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
TJ gives birth to the purely American quality of standing up against bullies . . . no matter the odds.Any additional comments?
Kilmeade and Yeager do it again!Riveting
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great story. Poorly read
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
What did you love best about Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates?
Detailed history of the lives of the American historical figures coming together to deal a huge blow to the progression of Islam. This method worked then, I think it will work now if God gives us the courage and will to fight and His blessing to win.What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
Brain Kilmeade reads kinda fast sometimes and it can get annoying where he puts emphasis.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, we listened as a family on a long drive across the country.Important history every American needs to know!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great Historical Read
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great Story! But read way too fast!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Wonderfully written...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Brian, stick to your day job
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Could not put it down!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.