Barbary Pirates War on the West
I enjoyed this book for its detailed insights into a short but decisive era of naval diplomacy for the United States and the United States Navy. I was unaware that christian slaves captured by the "Barbary Pirates" were really sold off to work on numerous projects across North Africa as well as on a sultan's fortress deep in the desert. The actual naval combat was a small part of the many failed "diplomatic" and then outright bribery (baksheesh) of the Muslim pirates to attain some semblence of safety for American shipping.
You will be amazed at the futility and frustrations of 19th century diplomacy with the result only being a temporary restrainment before the raids commenced again. It did thrust America for one of the first times into international politics and into a difficult cauldron of slavery, piracy, and bribery as was never known before, where even the great european powers had only succeeded making payments.
There are a lot of modern day similarities of the pirates and terrorists.
The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, The First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805
Excellent book regarding the war of 1812 in New Orleans. Lafitte's crew assisted Thomas Jefferson in the war, then later once it was over, the then Governor arrested as many as possible to hang them as pirates!! Excellent History book!!
It Will Hold You Captive
I have been a fan of Zacks since reading his Pirate Hunter, and this book has reinforced my patronage. I am a firm believer in the fact that you really need to read history from several sources and viewpoints to get a reasonable picture of the reality. Zacks has underlined that philosophy by telling the story of the Philadelphia and resulting events, and he has done it with energy in a very readable narrative.
Zacks has provided a reasonably chronological story of the events surrounding the capture of one of the fledgling United States Navy's vessels. However, while the book is billed as being about Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines and the Secret Mission of 1805, it is more appropriately a biography of William Eaton. The author provides background on the main protagonist, his actions during and after the crisis. Details of other individuals and their actions are almost always told in relations to their effect on Eaton and his mission.
The text is sprinkled with a few images and maps to give reference to the individuals and locations mentioned. The author has also included a Cast of Characters, extensive endnotes, bibliography and index of the contents. Overall, I found the book to be an informative and entertaining read. It contrasts well with Wheelan's Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805, providing additional detail and an alternate viewpoint.
P-)
counter-terrorism in the early 19th century
The war on terrorism did not start with 9/11, but was at least 200 years old as Richard Zacks brilliantly proves with "The Pirate Coast." If one is expecting Johnny Depp and lots of laughs, check out this detailed example of patient historical research and follow the real-life adventures of William Eaton, as he tries to free real damsels from the grasp of petty tyrants along the Barbary Coast. Note, also, how presidents can play devious games as they keep one eye on public opinion, as they pursue goals that ultimately prove unattainable. Sound familiar?
Explore a little-known story in US history
This book was referred to me by someone who had recently finished reading it.
It was a very entertaining and quick read while also being a valuable look at our history. Zacks does a great job putting the story into historical context. I especially enjoyed his description of how treaties of the time included provisions allowing for the long transmission time of the treaty.
After finishing this book, I found myself searching for more details of our country's first few decades. We are also reminded how our history can be influenced by strong-willed individuals who go to extraordinary lengths of accomplish their mission. I don't ever remember hearing about William Eaton before. Now that I've read Zacks, I can really appreciate his efforts.
John Cathcart
Author, Delta 7
(60 reviews)
