Rating: 
Summary: Expert history of the Essex and the U.S. Navy
Review: "USS Essex" is a fine piece of naval literature that does a strong job of depicting the very beginnings of the United States Navy while also telling the history of this remarkable ship. The USS Essex was the pride and joy of Salem, Massachusetts. Built in 1799 on the finances of hundreds of `subscriptions' (similar to war bonds) by the local citizenry, the Essex came into existence during a time when the nation as a whole was wary of establishing a government run Naval force. The arguments against its establishment were that a standing Navy was symbol of the oppression and tyranny of aggressor nations like France and Britain. In addition, the expense of maintaining such a force would be stressful on the finances of a fledgling nation that was still trying desperately to pay down its Revolutionary War debts. The points in favor of the establishment of a Navy were that American merchant vessels needed protection from aggressive nations, pirates, and the Barbary States of North Africa while conducting trade while also provided a nautical defense of the U.S.' ample Atlantic coastline. At the time of Essex' construction, state run Naval militias were the accepted form of seafaring force. The Quasi-War with revolutionary France and the ongoing struggles with the Barbary States (to say nothing of the War of 1812) began to show to the U.S. government the wisdom of having a naval force.
Authors Frances Robotti and James Vescovi have exhaustively searched the history of the Essex, its notable captains and crewmembers, while crafting a thesis that powerfully depicts the U.S. Navy's origin and growth from infancy. The first half of "USS Essex" is a bit more of a general Naval history, rather than a record specific to the Essex. The authors', themselves, concede that the Essex never had the notable confrontations of its more famous brethren like the Bon Homme Richard, USS Constellation, or USS Constitution, or even an infamous demise like the USS Philadelphia. The Essex was present for portions of the conflict with the Barbary States and had an occasional run-in with a British warship. It is necessary to take this broader approach before focusing directly on the Essex in order to frame the Essex' role in the evolution of the United States from disrespected rebellious nation to feared world power.
The Essex was home to such famed captains as Edward Preble, William Bainbridge, and the bold and brash David Porter. Prior to the end of its service to the United States, it was also home to midshipman, David Glasgow Farragut, a man who would later go on to become the U.S. Navy's first Admiral and distinguish himself during the Civil War. The authors show how the Essex played an important role in the subduing of the Barbary States. They also demonstrate, with great detail, the Essex' crucial role in wresting sole domination of a Pacific waterways from the British, while under the command of David Porter.
"USS Essex" is a tremendous read due to the fact that, not only does it expertly tell the history of this great ship, it also creates vivid imagery of what Naval battles were like back in that time period. Knowing what it means to `strike the colors', learning the pros and cons of cannons vs. carronades for weaponry, and understanding the unspoken rules of battle and seafaring make this book an invaluable resource for any Navy or history buff. It is also an enlightening read for anyone who is not as well-versed in our country's great Naval traditions.
Rating:
Summary: Expert history of the Essex and the U.S. Navy
Review: "USS Essex" is a fine piece of naval literature that does a strong job of depicting the very beginnings of the United States Navy while also telling the history of this remarkable ship. The USS Essex was the pride and joy of Salem, Massachusetts. Built in 1799 on the finances of hundreds of 'subscriptions' (similar to war bonds) by the local citizenry, the Essex came into existence during a time when the nation as a whole was wary of establishing a government run Naval force. The arguments against its establishment were that a standing Navy was symbol of the oppression and tyranny of aggressor nations like France and Britain. In addition, the expense of maintaining such a force would be stressful on the finances of a fledgling nation that was still trying desperately to pay down its Revolutionary War debts. The points in favor of the establishment of a Navy were that American merchant vessels needed protection from aggressive nations, pirates, and the Barbary States of North Africa while conducting trade while also provided a nautical defense of the U.S.' ample Atlantic coastline. At the time of Essex' construction, state run Naval militias were the accepted form of seafaring force. The Quasi-War with revolutionary France and the ongoing struggles with the Barbary States (to say nothing of the War of 1812) began to show to the U.S. government the wisdom of having a naval force.
Authors Frances Robotti and James Vescovi have exhaustively searched the history of the Essex, its notable captains and crewmembers, while crafting a thesis that powerfully depicts the U.S. Navy's origin and growth from infancy. The first half of "USS Essex" is a bit more of a general Naval history, rather than a record specific to the Essex. The authors', themselves, concede that the Essex never had the notable confrontations of its more famous brethren like the Bon Homme Richard, USS Constellation, or USS Constitution, or even an infamous demise like the USS Philadelphia. The Essex was present for portions of the conflict with the Barbary States and had an occasional run-in with a British warship. It is necessary to take this broader approach before focusing directly on the Essex in order to frame the Essex' role in the evolution of the United States from disrespected rebellious nation to feared world power.
The Essex was home to such famed captains as Edward Preble, William Bainbridge, and the bold and brash David Porter. Prior to the end of its service to the United States, it was also home to midshipman, David Glasgow Farragut, a man who would later go on to become the U.S. Navy's first Admiral and distinguish himself during the Civil War. The authors show how the Essex played an important role in the subduing of the Barbary States. They also demonstrate, with great detail, the Essex' crucial role in wresting sole domination of a Pacific waterways from the British, while under the command of David Porter.
"USS Essex" is a tremendous read due to the fact that, not only does it expertly tell the history of this great ship, it also creates vivid imagery of what Naval battles were like back in that time period. Knowing what it means to 'strike the colors', learning the pros and cons of cannons vs. carronades for weaponry, and understanding the unspoken rules of battle and seafaring make this book an invaluable resource for any Navy or history buff. It is also an enlightening read for anyone who is not as well-versed in our country's great Naval traditions.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific read!
Review: > I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great read for people who know
> little about U.S. history, as well as historians who are familiar with the
> epic of the U.S. Navy. It's wonderfully illustrated and also has a very
> good glossary. As for the writing, nothing dry about it -- the whaling
> raid by the Essex and its bloody fight against HMS Phoebe read like a novel
> or a movie script. I will be curious to see Director Peter Weir's movie
> (now in the making and due for release next year) called "Far Side of the
> World," which is the story of the USS Essex as told and fictionalized by
> author Patrick O'Brian (of Aubrey/Maturin fame). I strongly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful read. Fast paced work
Review: A great book on the history of the Salem frigate Essex from conception to her final duty as a prison hulk in Ireland. However, the book is more than a ship's history. The early exploits of the American Navy from the Revolutionary War and the Barbary War to the War of 1812 are vividly retold.
The authors are wonderful storytellers and the book was difficult to put down. The dashing cruise of David Porter 'round the Horn to harass the British Whaling fleet to his defeat at Valparaiso by Hillyar and all the intrigue in between reads like a novel, but its all true!
This book is in some ways was more enjoyable than O Brian's Aubrey/Maturin as it was much faster paced. However, I still love Patrick O Brian.
A must read for the Age of Sail buffs!
Rating:
Summary: Millions for defense, not a cent for tribute!
Review: I bought this book while on a ski vacation. Once I started reading I could not put it down and even skipped a day on the slopes to finish it. I found it an utterly fascinating account of how our young nation responded to the crises leading up to the War of 1812. The book combines just the right amount of historical background, analysis and small details. By focusing on the story of the USS Essex, a 32 gun frigate, the authors take the reader on an historical tour de force. I marveled at how well written the book was. The lessons of this tale to contemporary history are uncanny. My only suggeston would be for a better map showing the Essex's various cruises and exotic ports of call. If you don't know why sailors liked tortoises, then read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A great book, telling a great story
Review: No, she's not the infamous whaling ship who's crew survived her sinking through canabalism, nor is she the WWII Aicraft Carrier. She's not the current Aircraft Carrier of that name either. She's the first American naval vessel to hold the proud name Essex, which is still in use in the American Navy today. Essex was one of America's first sailing frigates, and the vessel upon which one of the greatest stories of the War of 1812 took place. There aren't many books out there that chronicle single ships in the early American navy. This alone, makes this book a gem. But it's value is further boosted by the fact that it is written in a gripping and entertaining narrative style. It is further valuable in the background it gives on the ship itself, the affairs of that day, and the people she was involved with. The authors pull no punches as the weave a complex and instructive account of the ship's history and of her officers. Clearly, there were some bad eggs in there. I strongly suggest this book to fans of historical fiction about this time period, or folks who are naval history buffs.
Rating:
Summary: Essex Tradition
Review: Preble, Bainbridge, Stoddert, Farragut - ESSEX... Names that mean NAVY, and the ESSEX Tradition. Capt. Porter's son commanded the second Essex, a tradition. I served in the 4th Essex, the carrier CVA9, and know of that tradition. USS ESSEX CV9 earned the most battlestars of any ship in her class during WWII, every sailor that served in her was aware of that tradition set by the first ESSEX. I liken this book to a C.S. Forester novel, a well written book about wooden ships and iron men. Capt Porter was brash, and some think foolish in some of his decisions about his captured prizes of war, and the outcome of his defeat in Valpariso by Capt Hillyar of the HMS Phoebe. I disagree - I think he was a hero. He took the first US Navy warship into the Pacific, He managed to re supply his ship - keep his men healthy and free of scurvy, and practically destroy the British whaling industry in the Pacific. He begged for long guns before he put to sea, and instead was armed with short range carronades. Hillyar was aware that he could stay outside of Porters gun range and fire at will with his longer ranging guns, and do it against a disabled ship. I have read the British account of this battle and they make light of Porter and Essex, and tell of their heroic victory over Essex. I invite anyone that is interested in Naval history to read this excellant book and draw your own conclusions. I for one remain an Essex sailor that thinks Capt. Porter set the trend for ESSEX and Navy tradition for yet years to come. I served under 3 ship's Captains in my tour in the Navy - they were all stamped in the 'Porter mold' All brash - all men of decision; men that were concerned with the well being of their crews, and all seaman of that first Essex tradition. "A single frigate lording over the Pacific in saucy defiance of their thousand ships, reveling in the spoils of boundless wealth, and almost banishing the British flag from these regions where it had so long waved proudly predominate" - Washington Irving, on The ESSEX
Rating:
Summary: Great follow-up to Master and Commander movie
Review: Robotti and Vescovi have done a terrific job with this swift but informative volume, a great example of how history ought to be written. Eschewing the dull recitation of facts for something more akin to the 'Fleming sweep,' they have crafted a moving and compelling story that also manages to foster a deep understanding of a world with which most readers have little (if any) connection. I have to disagree with those who say it reads like an O'Brian or C.S. Forster novel, however: I've read several works by both of those giants of naval history and frankly, this book is both more involving, more interesting, and far more rich in comprehensible detail than any of those two authors' works. Though Robotti has also written an intriguing account of whaling in early America, it is the addition of Vescovi to the admixture of authorial talent that makes this book really soar--one supposes his journalist's sense of snap and flow helped in this regard. In sum, this is a great story, a great work of history, and a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Leaves some interesting aspects of the Essex saga unexplored
Review: The misleading title of this book would lead one to believe it is mainly about the USS Essex. Technically (off the cuff guesstimate of 60/40 split), it is; however the plethora of data about shipboard operations, training, pay, rations, ship building, Barbary pirate conflicts, the Quasi-war with France, skirmishes with British ships, the War of 1812, biographical vignettes about US captains and future US captains, and future admirals as well, all in addition to the main topic of the frigate USS Essex is an excellent overview of the history of the ship itself and the early history of the US Navy. In addtion to all that, the narrative quality shines forth to show a very intricately woven story about the character of the men and officers as much as the ships themselves and the history they made. Highly recommended for those interested in the topics detailed above. Finally, the bibliography itself is a font of raw information on further sources relevant to the subject matter.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Account
Review: This is one of the best books I have read on the subject of the 'Federal' Navy. It is written in such fashion as to hold the readers attention, yet renders the history of this great ship well. Highly recommended.
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