The lead writer of the New York Times’s award-winning “Disunion†series introduces William Barker Cushing; the Civil War’s most celebrated naval hero. October 1864. The confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle had sunk two federal warships and damaged seven others; taking control of the Roanoke River and threatening the Union blockade. Twenty-one-year-old navy lieutenant William Barker Cushing hatched a daring plan: to attack the fearsome warship with a few dozen men in two small wooden boats. What followed; the close-range torpedoing of the Albemarle and Cushing’s harrowing two-day escape downriver from vengeful Rebel posses; is one of the most dramatic individual exploits in American military history. Theodore Roosevelt said that Cushing “comes next to Farragut on the hero roll of American naval history;†but most have never heard of him today. Tossed out of the Naval Academy for “buffoonery;†Cushing proved himself a prodigy in behind-the-lines warfare. Given command of a small union ship; he performed daring; near-suicidal raids; “cutting out†confederate ships and thwarting blockade runners. With higher commands and larger ships; Cushing’s exploits grow bolder; culminating in the sinking of the Albemarle.A thrilling narrative biography; steeped in the tactics; weaponry; and battle techniques of the Union Navy; Commander Will Cushing brings to life a compelling yet flawed figure. Along with his three brothers; including one who fell at Gettysburg; Cushing served with bravery and heroism. But he was irascible and complicated―a loveable rogue; prideful and impulsive; who nonetheless possessed a genius for combat.In telling Cushing’s story; Malanowski paints a vivid; memorable portrait of the army officials; engineers; and politicians scrambling to win the war. But he also goes deeper into the psychology of the daredevil soldier―and what this heroic and tragic figure; who died before his time; can tell us about the ways we remember the glories of war. 8 pages of illustrations
#86489 in Books 2015-10-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.90 x .80 x 12.00l; .0 #File Name: 0393060322160 pages
Review
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful. A Stunning Book Inside and OutBy Daniel W. PyleThis collection of antique maps and concise commentary is visually stunning and beautifully written. At a time when many readers require reasons to purchase a book in hardcover rather than in digital form; this volume offers many. First of all; it is a very elegant work. Laura Lindgren; the jacket designer; uses an 18th C. full-color military map of New York City for the cover; the spaces for modern text provided by an artful fading of the map. The names of the authors are in the upper right; and the title is boldly printed across the center. The dust jacket is heavy polished paper. A ribbon of map (this time of the Fort George Area) tops the back cover above three reviews on burgundy background. One of these endorsements is by Ric Burns; the documentarian. The book is oversize in format; 12X13 inches; but is slender at 150 pages; more than enough space to cover thirty years of revolutionary history starting with the French and Indian War. The maps included have been rarely or never published before.Unlike many recent historical atlases; the focus in this volume is always on the maps. While the authors include many illustrations; they are always closely related to the maps. For example; the Anti-Gallican Map of North America (1755); published by a British anti-French club; is accompanied by an illustration of the badge of the President of the organization. It is a gorgeous rococo jewel which depicts St. George impaling the French flag with his spear. The map and badge clearly illustrate the British hostility to the French just before the onset of war.One of the reviewers on the cover; Jane Kamensky; notes that "the battle for (and against) American independence unfolded in space as well as in time." This idea provides the key rationale for presenting history in the context of contemporary maps. For example; the section on Braddock's March notes that General Braddock planned to sail up the Potomac; and then travel from Fort Cumberland (Modern Cumberland; MD) to Fort Duquesne (modern Pittsburgh). Maps indicated that the Potomac voyage would be 15 miles and the trip by land would be 30 miles. The Potomac is not navigable above the Great Falls just above the present site of Washington; D.C. The distance to Cumberland by land is about 140 miles with another 100 miles over mountainous terrain to get to Fort Duquenes. Braddock was soon complaining about the unexpected distance and harsh landscape. This cartographic distortion of space had significant effect on the course of history; and contributed to the British defeat; the death of General Braddock; and the near death of George Washington.The authors; Richard Brown and Paul Cohen are collectors and dealers in antique maps and are not historians. However; the text is correct; and the maps they've found and published here are expertly chosen to illustrate the history. While there are many who could effectively condense the history of Revolutionary America; the authors used their expertise to scour disparate archives and collections; and to winnow down their choices to the maps that perfectly illustrate the key historical events covered in this volume.This book will go on my coffee table; not only because it is beautiful but also because I am certain I will want to frequently revisit these maps.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent condition.By Dan ChurchGlorious. Excellent condition.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must-have for map afficianadosBy Linda ForemanWhat a great book. Bought it for my daughter who is a mapmaker.
