audiobook William B. Cushing in the Far East: A Civil War Naval Hero Abroad; 1865-1869 by Julian R. Mcquiston in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An enjoyable read!By bassinyourfaceThe book begins with some historical setup of Cushing's career and youth; and since I was not at all familiar with him; the book set me off rather quickly on an internet search for more information on Cushing's raid on the Albemarle and his Civil War service. Ultimately; I found him to be a rather interesting (and extremely lucky) character; which made me yearn for more stories from Cushing's life both pre- and post-Civil War; which in turn brought me back to the book.As a former Navy man myself; I enjoyed the many humorous Navy anecdotes and Naval history. Cushing visited some very interesting places during some very interesting times. Any sailor relishes sea stories as well as "port" stories; and McQuiston does not disappoint here. I would definitely recommend the book based on those merits alone.In his letters back home; Cushing paints a very clear portrait of an era and place that's long gone; one full of pirates; colorful politicians; Generals and Admirals; social festivities of the upper-crust of Oriental society; and the life and times of local American and British diplomats. I also found wonderful; broad portraits of the life of commoners as well as that of the nobles of Chinese and Japanese society; and several humorous tales of Cushing's sightseeing and official travels throughout both countries by waterways; on horseback; and on rickety; bouncing donkey carts. Always the prankster; Cushing took great joy in out-smarting anyone who tried to get one over on him; as discovered in one instance by a Chinese tour guide; and in another instance by a monk at a Confucian temple.There's a good bit of 'mushiness' in his letters back home; and he was obviously quite infatuated with his young fiancée; Kate Forbes. It's interesting to note how Cushing mixes his lovelorn and somewhat desperate messages to Kate with his daily shipboard life and diplomatic duties in his letters back home. I find the letters to be written the very frank style of a true Naval officer; yet showing a side of himself that I am sure none of his crew ever saw.There is certainly more reading to be had about Cushing's Civil War exploits; but I would have cared for a bit more presentation here about the sheer amazingness of his heroism and total lack of self-preservation in the Albemarle raid as well as his other Civil War ventures. I could have also used a bit less of the mushiness in the narrative; though I certainly have a better understanding of the man himself for it. Overall; a quite satisfying read that already has me looking for more books on Cushing and 19th Century Naval history.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Cushing in the Far EastBy BachFanSooner or later the reader must come to grips with the place William Barker Cushing deserves in Civil War history; and there are several reasons why this book adds to Cushing's leverage as an important; though fleeting; figure. The sinking of the CSS Albemarle under Cushing's command was enough to single him out as arguably "the hero" of the war (many books are available on that event; in addition to the History Channel's "Most Daring Mission of the Civil War" DVD). For his new study; historian Julian McQuiston was given access to the many letters and diaries written in the post-War years; specifically Cushing's exchanges with his fiancee in rural Western New York; while he was on the high seas; showing the American flag in several Far East countries. The book can be viewed as a two-track narrative: that of a U.S. Naval officer in the role of diplomat; and of the hot-cold romantic relationship with his sweetheart and its happy climax. The abundance of letters show Cushing as an able descriptor; sometimes brutally candid; of the geography of many lands and island nations; his notorious adventures to forbidden areas (an adult prankster in some instances; China); the formal Naval etiquette in play at the time (Great Britain; particularly); and plenty of comments on the social customs and cuisine in the many countries visited. The hardware of warfare; vessels; and survival techniques interspersed throughout the book is ample red meat for the equipment buff. This not a travelogue; but compelling interest is drawn through Cushing's descriptive abilities and set in context by the author. In all; this work deserves a place in U.S. history as it fills in many colorful details unavailable until now; about the aim of the U.S. to muscle in on the Orient. To this writer; McQuiston's work is in a more formal style than the breezy flow some would want; but in an overall framework crafted by a lover of language. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Further Adventures of "Civil War SEAL" William B. CushingBy A. A. NofiA summary of the review on StrategyPage.Com:'Best known for the sinking of the Confederate ironclad Albemarle; after the Civil War Cushing (1842-1874) took the gunboat Maumee on a long cruise to East Asian waters; visiting; and often making friends with the “natives” in Japan; China; Singapore; and other places. During the deployment; Cushing maintained a voluminous correspondence with his family and most notably with Kate Forbes; his fiancé; a childhood friend from western New York. Prof. McQuiston uses these letters; and other documents; to give us a look at an American naval officer on foreign service during the height of the Victorian Age; the workings of a warship of the times; his contact with and perception of Asian cultures; and some light on family life; courtship; and marriage in the times. Full of anecdotes; some amusing and some insightful; this book is likely to prove interesting and informative for anyone interested in American life or naval service in the years immediately following the Civil War.'For the full review; see StrategyPage.Com