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Jefferson’s War: America’s First War on Terror 1801–1805 Audiobook
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(3.08) - 152 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Two centuries ago, without congressional or public debate, Thomas Jefferson, a president who is thought of today as peaceable, 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 two hundred 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.”
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"Really readable history. High adventure and a real eye opener as to how things were during this time. It was enlightening to learn about some of our original Naval heros as well as the first landing and heroism of the very small Marine Crops of the time. I was fascinated throughout. "
— Paul (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Jefferson’s War is a fascinating and readable story of how America fought and won its first war on terror—two centuries ago.”
— Newsweek -
“Lively recounting of the crusade, 200 years ago, that brought the marines to the shores of Tripoli...The stuff of good historical fiction—and a treat for military buffs.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A clear, suspenseful account of a complex topic.”
— Library Journal
Jefferson’s War Listener Reviews
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" Jefferson is more a cameo than a title character. This book does work on current assumptions of American power by taking the reader back to a time when the country was idealistic with a deep sense of identity but often feckless in carrying out her aims. "
— Brian, 11/26/2013 -
" I had to fast forward through parts of this book when the tortures of the Americans were described. That said, this was a tremendous "read" about a time in our history I knew nothing about. The Middle East and America's history goes back to the beginning of our Nation. "
— Pat, 6/26/2013 -
" The author examines the political, economic, and religious issues that led to America's war against the Barbary pirates. The conduct of the war and the results are also discussed. "
— Fredrick, 5/26/2013 -
" A fresh, post-911 look at Jefferson's war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa. "
— William, 4/29/2013 -
" Jingoistic nonsense with Orientalistic overtones. "
— Zach, 12/17/2012 -
" I liked this book on the Barbary War. It shows that Jefferson was not the true stict constructionalist of the Constitution so many histories try to paint. It's also an excellent adventure. I enjoyrd the read "
— Michael, 12/11/2011 -
" A little weary that the author seeks paralleled between the Barbary Wars and the modern War on Terror. Fascinating read, nonetheless. "
— Samuel, 7/31/2011 -
" An interesting history about a war most Americans don't know much about. The US actually deployed their Navy to attack the pirates who worked for Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria at a time when all of Europe just paid them off the US with their new and untested Navy stood up to them and won. "
— Hans, 6/21/2011 -
" Excellent history of a little-known period. Sheds a lot of light on modern-day problems with piracy. "
— Charles, 3/10/2011 -
" Really readable history. High adventure and a real eye opener as to how things were during this time. It was enlightening to learn about some of our original Naval heros as well as the first landing and heroism of the very small Marine Crops of the time. I was fascinated throughout. "
— Paul, 12/9/2009 -
" Excellent history of a little-known period. Sheds a lot of light on modern-day problems with piracy. "
— Charles, 10/15/2009 -
" A fresh, post-911 look at Jefferson's war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa. "
— Shep, 1/18/2009 -
" I had to fast forward through parts of this book when the tortures of the Americans were described. That said, this was a tremendous "read" about a time in our history I knew nothing about. The Middle East and America's history goes back to the beginning of our Nation. "
— Pat, 8/22/2008 -
" I liked this book on the Barbary War. It shows that Jefferson was not the true stict constructionalist of the Constitution so many histories try to paint. It's also an excellent adventure. I enjoyrd the read "
— Michael, 6/30/2008 -
" An interesting history about a war most Americans don't know much about. The US actually deployed their Navy to attack the pirates who worked for Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria at a time when all of Europe just paid them off the US with their new and untested Navy stood up to them and won. "
— Hans, 5/22/2008
About Joseph Wheelan
Joseph Wheelan, a graduate of the University of Wyoming and University of Colorado at Denver, is the author of several books, including the highly acclaimed Terrible Swift Sword and Jefferson’s War. Before turning to writing books full time, he was a reporter and editor for the Associated Press for twenty-four years, where he also wrote about the Korean War.
About the Narrators
John Lescault, a native of Massachusetts, is a graduate of the Catholic University of America. He lives in Washington, DC, where he works in theater.
John Lescault, a native of Massachusetts, is a graduate of the Catholic University of America. He lives in Washington, DC, where he works in theater.