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Product Description
Product Description
Based on documents never before publicly accessible from the US Navy, the National Archives of the United States of America and the British Home Office, 'The Sea King' is the first biography of one of the Civil War's most fascinating players. As the rogue captain of the last Confederate commerce raider, the Shenandoah, James Waddell was a huge thorn in the side of the post-Civil war administration (they branded him a pirate and an enemy of the state), who singlehandedly destroyed the US whaling fleet, almost brought Britain and America to war, and finally surrendered after a 22,000-mile journey at Liverpool. Proclaimed an American hero upon his death in 1886 he was given the only state funeral ever awarded for a former Confederate officer.
About the Author
Dr. Gary McKay is a member of the US Naval Institute and the Navy League of the United States America. Having served in the US Navy with an electronic intelligence unit and in the US Army as an intelligence analyst, he has been decorated by both services for his analyses. His work as a remote sensing archaeologist has been featured in many newspaper articles and television programmes and is an outgrowth of his research time spent at the US Naval Research Laboratory at NASA Stennis Space Centre. He currently heads Float Research, dedicated geographic research group.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was intrigued by this book mainly because of my interest in the Clyde Steamers - and the "Sea King" was built on the Clyde (See "Clyde Built" by Eric Graham - review) - and then found an incredible adventure story which has the advantage of being true!
Captain Waddell's treatment, by the Union Government, like that of other Confederate Servicemen, reads like a horror story - but throughout his entire career and the cruise he managed to maintain his personal integrity - along with a story of sea adventure which reads like outright fiction. I hadn't heard of the ship (or Capt. Waddell) except peripherally to Clyde-built shipping and had no real interest in the subsequent voyagings of the vessel - but I had read (and have) "Number Two-Ninety" by Cdr. Showell Styles, a "factual" novel about Capt. Semmes and the "Alabama", so when I saw this book. I thought "might be interesting - I'll get it." I am glad I did - a fascinating tale of a ship and a man and heroism - and dirty political machination.
Captain Waddell's treatment, by the Union Government, like that of other Confederate Servicemen, reads like a horror story - but throughout his entire career and the cruise he managed to maintain his personal integrity - along with a story of sea adventure which reads like outright fiction. I hadn't heard of the ship (or Capt. Waddell) except peripherally to Clyde-built shipping and had no real interest in the subsequent voyagings of the vessel - but I had read (and have) "Number Two-Ninety" by Cdr. Showell Styles, a "factual" novel about Capt. Semmes and the "Alabama", so when I saw this book. I thought "might be interesting - I'll get it." I am glad I did - a fascinating tale of a ship and a man and heroism - and dirty political machination.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Sea King is the latest, and best, of a recent series of books related to the CSS Shenandoah. It is not only the first biography of the elusive Captain Waddell, it is the first that is written from the perspective of a former sailor who understands the pressures of commanding a warship at sea. McKay's painstaking research both in the U.S. and U.K. is reflected in the 4 chapters (of 9 total) that focus on Waddell's life before and after the American Civil War as well as the history of the Sea King / Shenandoah from Glasgow, to London, Melbourne, and finally, to Liverpool and Zanzibar. The 16 pages of illustrations include photos, maps, and drawings that provide additional insight into the people, ships and events that shaped Waddell's life. There is also a detailed bibliography and index.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A truly well written story, that grabs you from page one, and keeps the reader enthralled.
The life and times of James Iredell Waddell certainly are well worthy of recording for history, as is the voyage of his ship, the Shenandoah, and how she circumnavigated the world.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes both history, and a good yarn.
The life and times of James Iredell Waddell certainly are well worthy of recording for history, as is the voyage of his ship, the Shenandoah, and how she circumnavigated the world.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes both history, and a good yarn.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Magnificent - A Sea-going "Gone With The Wind"!
Amanda Foreman "wishes" she could write this well in her new book! This is magnificent from beginning to end. Read more
Published 19 months ago by HMS Excelsior
The Journal of Maritime Research from the National Maritime Museum in...
"The Sea King" is a valuable snapshot of an extraordinary period in America's maritime history.
Published on 31 Oct 2009 by Mr. Maffitt
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