Description
Book SynopsisTakes irregular naval warfare out of the shadow of the blue-water battles that dominate naval history. This book, the first historical study of its kind, makes a compelling case for raiding and irregular naval warfare as key elements in the story of American sea power.
Trade ReviewArmstrong provides readers with an innovative history of a form of naval strategy often neglected by historians and strategists who focus on big fleets and
guerre de course. His pioneering scholarship here is not just interesting naval history but enters into the realm of naval theory and strategy." - John T. Kuehn, author of
America's First General Staff"Armstrong takes the reader on an action-packed journey from the War for Independence to the decades immediately following the War of 1812. In retelling little-known stories of raids, ambushes, and explosive devices, he recasts the U.S. Navy's early history.
Small Boats and Daring Menbrings irregular operations to the forefront of naval history." - Kevin D. McCranie, author of
Utmost Gallantry: The U.S. and Royal Navies at Sea in the War of 1812"In this provocative study, Benjamin Armstrong employs the concept of
guerre de razzia in order to highlight the prevalence of American raiding operations during the Age of Sail. Through carefully chosen studies, he shows how U.S. Navy forces frequently employed what he calls 'naval irregular warfare' to pursue national goals."—Craig L.Symonds, Ernest J. King Professor, U.S. Naval War College and author of
A Concise History of the U.S. Navy"Those with a military mindset should enjoy the analysis of the strategic theory
of guerre de razza. Historians of the navy, technology and early American diplomacy should also find something in the book to pique their interest. Maritime historians, in general, should find the topic enlightening. Academically, the book might be appealing as a text for an upper level or graduate course. Readers who like true adventure, and many of the raiding expeditions are, to say the least, adventurous, will be fascinated by the audaciousness of the mariners of yore in small boats. It would be nice if a book of this quality of scholarship obtained an audience beyond a naval/maritime readership."—
The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord
