A Fine Tops'l Breeze (War of 1812 Trilogy, Volume 2) [Paperback]

William H. White (Author), Paul Garnett (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: War of 1812 Trilogy | Publication Date: April 2001

Continuing the adventures of the newest character in American sea fiction, Isaac Biggs of Marble head, Massachusetts, this second volume of the trilogy finds Isaac as Third Mate on the Salem privateer General Washington in February 1813. At the same time, his friends from the British frigate Orpheus and the Baltimore schooner Glory find berths on the American warship USS Constellation and, eventually, they wind up on the USS Chesapeake in Boston just in time for her disastrous meeting with HMS Shannon. Throughout the spring of 1813, Isaac and the General Washington roam the waters between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, taking prizes and harassing the British. When the American survivors of the Chesapeake/Shannon battle are confined in Melville Island Prison in Halifax, the General Washington and Isaac play an important role in securing their freedom.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William H. White is a former U.S. Naval officer with combat service, a life-long sailor, and maritime historian specializing in Age of Sail events. He lives in Rumson, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Tiller Publishing; 1st edition (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888671408
• ISBN-13: 978-1888671407
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #871,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Improvement, November 9, 2005

By 

John A Lee III "jal3" (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Fine Tops'l Breeze (War of 1812 Trilogy, Volume 2) (Paperback)

The first volume of White's War of 1812 trilogy was well written and interesting but did not tell much of a story. This second volume addresses that deficiency. It does tell a decent story and does so in an enjoyable fashion.

Like the first, this book tells two parallel stories that only come together right at the end. On the one hand, the story of Isaac Biggs continues as he sails as third mate on an American Privateer. The second thread concerns his buddies from his days as a sailor pressed into the Royal Navy. They are now sailing on an American frigate. That frigate is the Chesapeake, the one captured by the HMS Shannon. They are taken as POWs to Halifax where they rot in prison. The story comes together as the privateers attempt to release the captives, and act the US Navy can't or won't attempt.

As was the first, this is a refreshing view of fighting sail given from the point of view of Americans rather than the British. It is well done and I hope the writing continues to improve.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even better than the first one!!, April 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Fine Tops'l Breeze (War of 1812 Trilogy, Volume 2) (Paperback)

White's second volume in the War of 1812 Trilogy is superb! The action as we follow Isaac Biggs and his shipmates raiding British shipping in the Winter North Atlantic is great and the simultaneous action on USS Constellation with Jack Clements as they try to get to sea from Baltimore gives some insight to the problems experienced by the US Navy in this war. I was right there as the British stormed aboard the USS Chesapeake on June 1 1813 and accompanied the American survivors to Melville Island prison in Halifax. The concluding action which brings Isaac and his Navy mates back together is excellent. It will be hard to wait until Fall for the third and final volume. An outstanding read for all maritime history buffs.

5.0 out of 5 stars These War of 1812 Naval Novels are great!, March 13, 2010

By 

Dr. Prentice Kinser III "Author of LIMITLESS ... (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Fine Tops'l Breeze (War of 1812 Trilogy, Volume 2) (Paperback)

I had been reading almost all of Patrick O'Brian's and Alexander Kent's historical naval novels, which are written from the English Navy's perspective. It was such a treat to discover William White's War of 1812 Trilogy, which is from the early American Navy's perspective. I am not a very critical reader ... having tried my hand at a few novels, I know how difficult the process is. I just enjoy the stories and allow myself to get caught up in the adventure. William White's 1812 Trilogy is a great adventure. I really liked each of these books!
Prentice Kinser III, D.Min. Author of: Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth