Six Frigates

The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy

By: Ian W. Toll

Narrated by: Stephen Lang

Before the ink was dry on the Constitution of the United States, the establishment of a permanent military had become the most divisive issue facing the young republic. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect American commerce from the vicious depredations of the Barbary pirates, or would it drain the treasury and provoke hostilities with the great powers? How large a navy would suffice? The founders -- particularly Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and Adams -- debated these questions fiercely and switched sides more than once.

In 1794, President Washington signed legislation authorizing the construction of six heavy frigates. The unique combination of power, speed and tactical versatility -- smaller than a battleship and larger than a sloop -- that all navies sent on their most daring missions. It was the first great appropriation of federal money and the first demonstration of the power of the new central government, calling for the creation of entirely new domestic industries, and the extraction of natural resources from the backwoods of Maine to the uninhabited coastal islands of Georgia.

From the complicated politics of the initial decision, through the cliffhanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and a narrative flair worthy of Patrick O'Brian. In the words of Henry Adams, the 1812 encounter between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere "raised the United States in one half hour to the rank of a first class power in the world."©2006 Ian W. Toll; (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully atmospheric...brilliantly researched, full of stirring action and rich with the scent of the sea."
-- Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman

Outstanding Book!

Ian W. Toll is simply a phenomenal writer. This book was so good there's nothing negative I can say about it with the exception that I wished it had been longer. While the book had moments where the political was explained in depth I would not say so to a point of minutia that had no bearing. It was a very complete and a very well presented account and I do believe Toll gave a balanced amount of information about these warships and their place in the nation’s history.

I was first introduced to Toll after listening to The Conquering Tide followed by Pacific Crucible. While I enjoy history I've never had a great affinity to listen to history earlier then the 20th century. This book has changed my outlook. Stephen Lang did an incredible job of telling this story and I believe this is another case of the narrator adding to the book even though the book can stand on its own merits.

This book evoked emotion and made me proud to be an American and very proud of the U.S. Navy. The descriptions of the launching of the United States and the first battle engagement of the Constitution brought up an overwhelming pride in our nation and the unique place that the United States has in the world.

I am awaiting more historical books from Toll. I really feel that if you like history you'll love this book and if you don't like history you'll love this book and you'll start to like history. Click on “Add to Cart” now!

Disappointment Mixed With Great Enthusiasm

While I most thoroughly enjoyed the story and the excellence of the narrator, I was disappointed in the abridged sections which in my opinion resulted in a loss of much of the associated color of the tale. Otherwise an interesting and enjoyable tale of the origins of our nation’s development.

Great book to learn and be entertained with

Great storytelling and excellent history makes this book a must read for those who like history and especially those who enjoy naval history

Navy Leadership Must reas

Stories and accounts from battles of Tripoli and War of 1812. true seamanship and origins of our Navy.

Naval News

I knew the names of many of the naval heroes but didn't comprehend the magnitude of their deeds. I particularly liked the Barbary Pirates sections.