The Greater the Honor: A Novel of the Barbary Wars - Paperback

by William H. White (Author)

In 1803 the rulers of the four nations of the Barbary Coast of North Africa violated treaties with many nations by capturing merchant ships, enslaving their crews, and holding the vessels for ransom. Tripoli (now Libya) was the worst offender and finally provoked the young and struggling United States to go to war. Fourteen year old Oliver Baldwin, newly assigned as a midshipman in the U.S. brig Argus, under Lt Stephen Decatur, tells the story of our fight with Tripoli as he endeavors to learn his employment and find his way on the course to manhood. As one of "Preble's Boys" he takes part in all the major events of 1803 and 1804, including the raid, in which he has a personal stake, to burn the captured USS Philadelphia, taken by the pirates on 31 October 1803. Historically accurate, colorful, and carefully crafted and researched, the Greater the Honor is a coming of age story of both a young man and the young nation he represents. And it's not just for sea story aficionados, but for anyone with an interest in the history of our fledgling nation. And best of all, it's true!

Author Biography

Award winning author, William H. White has been an historian specializing in the maritime heritage and American involvement in the Age of Sail for most of his adult life. A life-long sailor himself, he continues to sail and race actively in his home waters. He has sailed under square rig, giving him a knowledgeable and first hand insight to the complex workings of the vessels about which he writes. He served as an officer in the United States Navy in the '60's and was actively involved in naval operations for three years in Vietnam.