" A wonderfully readable book on maritime/US naval history. A primer on the political scene during America's formative years as well as a masterful retelling of America's rousing naval victories at the commencement of the War of 1812. If you have an appreciation for Patrick O'Brian's prose, you will love this book. In fact, author Ian Toll excerpts O'Brian's "The Fortune of War" to describe the USS Constitution's sinking of the HMS Java. You'll feel right at home... Good, good, good stuff. "
— danny, 2/18/2014