Stars and spars

The American sailing Navy existed for less than a century. The articles and letters edited by Professor Strauss record this era of naval history that began with the American Revolution and ended with the Civil War. The most important sea battles engaged in during this time are highlighted, but they represent only part of the story. The attitude of men such as Thomas Jefferson in peacetime and the mid-nineteenth century conversion to stream and steel in shipbuilding are also vital parts of this history. -- from back cover.