Chronicles of the Frigate Macedonian, 1809-1922

by James Tertius de Kay

Book Overview

His Majesty's Frigate Macedonian was launched at Woolwich in 1810, at the height of the wars against Napoleon; its remains, refashioned as a seaside hotel, burned in the Bronx in 1922. It is barely... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393038041
• ISBN13: 9780393038040
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A wonderful Biography of a ship

The USS Macedonean (originally HMS) is largely forgotten today, but her legacy is intertwined with the early days and wellfare of the young American republic. She was the first English warship to be captured by the American Navy, and was instrumental to putting an end to the Barbary pirates, and even had a hand in the reopening of Japan to the world. It is only fitting therefore that a book would be written about her. De Kay's book, "Chronicles of the Frigate Macedonian" is an extremely entertaining read, one that well worth the time. There aren't many single ship biographies out there about the American sailing navy, which makes this book a solid gem.Chronicling the Macedonean from her construction in a shipwayd in england, to her (What was left of her) final destruction at the hands of a fire in 1922, De Kay weaves a entertaining account of the ship, her glories and her more tarnished incidents. The true cast of character is diverse, ranging from the honorable John carden, who lost the Macedonian to the USS United States and never commanded a ship again, to Commodore James Biddle, who's own tenure as captain was filled with sickness and death on the ship, to "Commodore George DeKay" who successfully used the Macedonian to bring much needed relief to an Ireland suffering from famine.The Macedonian's history was filled with political intruige, madmen, jealousy, courage, and death. De Kay chronicles it all in vivid color. If you enjoy C.S Forester, Patrick O'Brian, or Naval History, I'd strongly suggest this book.

A wonderful Biography of a ship

The sailing frigate, USS Macedonian (originally HMS Macedonian), is largely forgotten today, but her legacy is intertwined with the early days and welfare of the young American republic. Captured during the War of 1812, she was the first English warship to be captured by the American Navy. It was a stunning defeat for the powerful English navy and long held as a high moment in American military history. The Macedonian was brought into the US navy after her capture, instrumental to putting an end to the Barbary pirates, and even had a hand in the reopening of Japan to the world. It is only fitting, therefore, that a biography would be written about her. De Kay's book, "Chronicles of the Frigate Macedonian" is an extremely entertaining read, one that well worth the time. There aren't many single ship biographies out there about the American sailing navy, which makes this book a solid gem. Chronicling the Macedonian from her construction of green timber in a shipyard in England, to her (What was left of her) final destruction in a fire in 1922, De Kay weaves a entertaining account of the ship, her glories and her more tarnished incidents. The cast of character is diverse, ranging from the honorable John Carden, who lost the Macedonian to the USS United States and never commanded a ship again, to Commodore James Biddle, who's own tenure as Captain was filled with sickness and death on the ship, to "Commodore" George DeKay who successfully used the Macedonian to bring much needed food relief to an Ireland suffering from famine. The Macedonian's history was filled with political intrigue, madmen, jealousy, courage, and death. De Kay chronicles it all in vivid color, from the ship herself to the colorful cast that inhabited her. If you enjoy the writings C.S Forester and Patrick O'Brian, I'd strongly suggest this book. Sometimes real history can be as entertaining as a fictional one.

Neat Book ! Something unusual.

You don't often find a biography of a ship. Especially a ship which has a history as rich and varied as this one. The lives, careers,countries this ship saw. Wonderful history. It ties time together and does what few teachers can, makes history live. With a broadside!

Gripping span of history tied to one ship.

Fascinating account of how the capture of one ship from the British during the War of 1812 boosted national morale and elevated the United States in the international arena. De Kay skillfully illustrates how the US's leaders shrewdly manipulated the Macedonian's psychological power by sending her on highly visible missions. As a result, the Macedonian was there for over 100 years' worth of some of the US's most fascinating history, and captained by some of the most colorful officers in the United States Navy. De Kay masterfully ties the Macedonian's history with our history. Excellent!

A True Story About America's Brave and Patriotic Past

During the War of 1812 many early land battles ended terribly for the United States. Our soldiers were volunteers who lacked the training to sustain the fierce attacks of the seasoned British troops who had just defeated Napoleon.America needed a boost of confidence to thwart those in the land who would capitulate to the British rather than fight what they saw as a loosing battle.In a short span of several weeks, two sea battles took place against the British. These intense conflicts with cannons blazing and men fighting as they never fought before, resulted in victories for the U.S. Navy. This turn of events brought the British government great shame in their own country and gave the Americans much to celebrate.In the first battle, the British ship sank, but in the second the Macedonian was captured by Stephen Decatur and his brave and dedicated crew.When this ship was brought to America's shores the people were greatly motivated to try and fight everywhere to save their country. the War of 1812 is often called the second American Revolution and could have marked the end of this new form of government.The defeat and capture of the Macedonian was so grand and uplifting to the U.S. Navy and the American people that it remained in service and was kept as a reminder of our strength for about 100 years.The story that unfolds about this ship brings so much rich history about the United States and its people that it is well worth getting excited over.