Six Frigates

Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy by Ian W. Toll (2006). A well-researched history of naval history in the early years of the American republic, following the events surrounding the six frigates authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1794.

The book follows the frigates (United States, President, Constellation, Congress, Constitution, and Chesapeake) from their construction through their actions in the Quasi-War, the Tripolitan War, and the War of 1812.

Woven throughout is an account of the recurring political battles between pro and anti-navy factions in Congress. There are also interesting details on such things as concerning construction details of these first "heavy" frigates and the epidemic of duelling in among the officer corps.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on this one. I've added it to the website here