Sea of glory;: The Continental Navy fights for independence, 1775-1783

This is naval history at its very best: illuminating, human, and readable. Unlike other histories of the revolution, this book recognizes the war for independence as a maritime conflict and fully explores the struggle for command of the sea. Broad and balanced in vision, it is the first study to mesh the operations of the Continental Navy and various state navies with the maneuvers of the British and French fleets, while at the same time focusing on the lives of ordinary seamen. Through its careful examination of the role played by the Continental Navy, Sea of Glory makes it clear that the outcome of the war was decided not at Yorktown but at sea. Nathan Miller recounts life of the times in colorful yet clear terms, describing how the sailors lived, how the ships were built and sailed, and even conditions aboard the prison ships. In addition he offers a closely honed analysis of the conflict to make this vigorously written study useful both as a reference and as a book to be enjoyed from cover to cover. First published in 1974 and long out of print, the book is regarded as a significant work that is unlikely to be equaled.