Old Ironsides: Eagle of the Sea - The Story of the USS Constitution

Rating:
Summary: Ole Ironsides
Review: The degree of research goes beyond anything previously offered. For the history buff or the casual reader this book is a winner. It moves along well not slowed but rather enriched by the wealth of detail it contains. Once opened it was hard to put down.

Rating:
Summary: An extraordinary contribution
Review: This is a tremendous addition to the literature on America's most famous warship. Rather than just a rehash of battles fought and won, it details the politics, society, and situations that made her great. Fascinating tales of the numerous other professions that went into her construction - sailmaking, woodworking, ropemaking, etc. - are woven into the story.
Perhaps most intriguing are the discussions of the men who served Constitution and of their daily life aboard. The battles have been detailed previously, but this book reminds us that there are no battles between ships, but rather between the men aboard. And it gives one of the finest explanations yet of just what was meant by the "Not The Little Belt" painted on the sails of HMS Guerriere.
Well footnoted and documented, the book provides a treasure trove of additional places to learn even more. Highly recommended.