Customer Reviews

Admiral David Dixon Porter: The Civil War Years

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Chester G. Hearn has proven once again that he's among the top rank of Civil War naval historians writing today. His bio of one of the war's most colorful naval officers is thorough and very readable, and provides great insight into the motivations of a most difficult and controversial officer.

An interesting and well written biography of a key and often overlooked Civil War participant.

The role of the Federal and Confederate Navies in the War Between the States has been neglected by almost all historians. Why? Most of the more colorful, decisive actions, the events that sell books, were fought on land.

This is a different type of story from a refreshingly different point of view. It is exciting and enlightening. The Federals could not have won without their excellent Navy, whose role was every bit as crucial as their Army's. This is as good an account of the U.S. Navy's role in the Union's Civil War victory as there is. Viewed through the life of David Dixon Porter, it is a fine testament to the Navy and the man

I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK ALOT AND IT IS WHAT I WANTED. I AM INTO HISTORICAL AND MILITARY BOOKS TO READ

This book accomplishes two goals; it highlights the under-emphasized importance of naval battles in the Civil War and concomittantly portrays those naval officers who are always over-shadowed by the war's "land generals."

Having read Civil War books for years, I was surprised to learn how influential and supportive the navy had been during the Civil War. And not just on the ocean either, but rivers and smaller waterways as well. Hearns' crisp prose and detailed research made this a compelling book.

Hearns details Porter's upbringing, and with it ideas about what may motivate Porter in the future, the utlity of the Civil War navy, the influence of Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, the interplay among Lincoln, the army, and the Navy, and then richly describes naval battles, including the seige and capture of Vicksburg.

This book is an important read for any Civil War enthusiast.

I was fastenated by the story of one of America's fightingAdmrials. Porter's success on the Mississpi river prevented the southfrom using it to transport goods and men anywhere. He effectively cutthe West out of the war by maintianing control of this river.

The book reads as well as any by Bruce Catton. If you think that the Civil war was fought only on the ground, this book is for you.

Chester G. Hearn has proven once again that he's among the top rank of Civil War naval historians writing today. His bio of one of the war's most colorful naval officers is thorough and very readable, and provides great insight into the motivations of a most difficult and controversial officer.