John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy
by Evan Thomas

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Book Reviews of John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy

Book Review: Background to US Navy Traditions
Summary: 4 Stars

Summary of John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy

Drawing on Jones's correspondence with some of the most significant figures of the American Revolution -- John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson -- Thomas's biography teaches us that it took fighters as well as thinkers, men driven by dreams of personal glory as well as high-minded principle, to break free of the past and start a new world. Jones's spirit was classically American.

Jones, despite his too brisk manner, was a true success, if not genius, as a naval captain. Early in the Revolutionary War, he captured a shipload of winter uniforms destined for General Burgoyne?s army in Canada, which instead warmed General Washington?s troops as they swept across the Delaware to defeat British at Princeton and Trenton. Later, Jones helped formulate the Navy?s plan of psychological warfare on British citizens. And Jones?s strategy to cut off the British fleet via the French Navy was arguably the most decisive strategic decision of the War.

In the end, Thomas makes a good case for a renewed appreciated for Jones?s role in the broader revolution, citing his many connections to the Founding Fathers and his contributions to the broader war effort. While it may be that the John Paul Jones who proclaimed "I have not yet begun to fight" never existed, the real man behind the textbook legend is every bit as compelling a figure in Thomas?s hands. This temperate biography situates Jones in what will likely prove durable fashion among portraits of Adams, Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson. --Patrick O'Kelley

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• Biographies & Memoirs
• Professionals & Academics > Military & Spies
• Historical > United States > General
• Leaders & Notable People > Military > General
• History > Americas > United States > Revolution & Founding > General
• Biographies & Memoirs