Jefferson's War

America's First War on Terror, 1801-1805

By: Joseph Wheelan

Narrated by: Patrick Cullen

Two centuries ago, without congressional or public debate, a president who is thought of today as peaceable, Thomas Jefferson, launched America's first war on foreign soil, a war against terror. The enemy was Muslim; the war was waged unconventionally, with commandos, native troops, and encrypted intelligence, and launched from foreign bases.

For nearly 200 years, the Barbary pirates had haunted the Mediterranean, enslaving tens of thousands of Europeans and extorting millions of dollars from their countries in a mercenary holy war against Christendom. Sailing in sleek corsairs built for speed and plunder, the Barbary pirates attacked European and American merchant shipping with impunity, triumphing as much by terror as force of arms.

The author traces the events leading to Jefferson's belief that peace with the Barbary States and respect from Europe could be achieved only through the "medium of war".

©2003 Joseph Wheelan (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

DON'T LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU!

The title and cover of this book are a little deceptive. Even though Jefferson was president at the time, he is not the key player in this book. The pirates are! They steal the show - and everything else that isn't nailed down. The book tells the story in graphic detail of how the Muslim Barbary pirates held the world hostage for years, pillaging, raping, killing at will, any who crossed their paths, especially Christians. Jefferson did wage a war-of-sorts on these pirates. A holy war, using every sneaky trick in the book and many that weren't in any book, to end the reign of terror inflicted by these savage seafarers. One more example of murder and death in the name of God/Allah. This was a good read, though a bit tedious in places. I would still read it again.

A true adventure story, well narrated

A war story with heroes and fools and great achievements and blunders. Reminds one of the present struggle against Islamic fanatics.

In those early days we were challenged by a pirate nation and could have chosen to pay ransom but instead decided to fight for honor.

for hardcore history buffs only

This book was just OK, and probably only worth it for hardcore history buffs. I found it hard to get through, even though the events should have made for an interesting book. Not sure how much to blame the reader vs. the author, but it was not in the same league with many of the other authors I have tried.

It's worth the money

History, to many, is dull and dry, but not this reading. It takes a look at an often forgotten part of American History and brings it to life. The parallels to todays world are often uncanny. A great deal of background material is presented to flesh out the characters and their historical importance. After listening to the book I was left with that distinct feeling that our technology has changed in the last 200 years, however, as a nation, the actions and intents of elected officials has not.

History repeats!

Wow what a tale...Benzgazi was releavant. 200 years ago. Muslim troubles and terrors was bad then and now we have it currently. Well researched book that will enlighten anyone today.