Fire on the Water: The USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama [Paperback]

James Gindlesperger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

Under Captain Raphael Semmes, the CSS Alabama had been raiding Union merchant ships for nearly two years. The Alabama accounted for almost one of every four Union merchant ships lost during the entire Civil War, with more than 60 ships destroyed. The USS Kearsarge, captained first by Charles Pickering and later by John Winslow, chased the Alabama around the world. Winslow vowed to end the trail of destruction caused by the Alabama. The two finally met in an epic battle off the coast of France on June 19, 1864. Fire on the Water examines the voyages of the Alabama and the Kearsarge toward their destiny. Using the words of the participants, James Gindlesperger offers a rare look into life at sea during the American Civil War. This tale of raw adventure and extraordinary courage will be prized by historians, genealogists, and those who enjoy a good story. Many controversies in after-the-battle studies are also examined.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

On June 19, 1864, the Alabama and the Kearsarge fought an epic battle off the coast of France. Fire on the Water presents this story of raw adventure and the courage of the participants on both sides. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

James Gindlesperger, a chemical engineer and longtime student of the Civil War, is active in historical, civic, and heritage organizations. His first book, Escape from Libby Prison, received the 1996 George Washington Honor Medal for Excellence from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This book was also featured in a Discovery Channel documentary and is scheduled for movie production at Warner Brothers. Mr. Gindlesperger is also the author of Seed Corn of the Confederacy. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 333 pages
• Publisher: Burd Street Press (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157249378X
• ISBN-13: 978-1572493780
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,940,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The riveting story of that epic naval confrontation, March 5, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire on the Water: The USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama (Paperback)

On June 19, 1864, the Union warship Kearsage fought an epic battle off the coast of France with the Confederate warship Alabama. "Fire On The Water" is the riveting story of that epic naval confrontation by author and civil war historian James Gindlesperger. Captained by Raphael Semmes, the CSS Alabama had been raiding Union merchant ships for the better part of two years and accounted for almost one of every four union merchant ships lost during the American Civil War to a total of more than 60 ships sunk. The USS Kearsarge (first captained by Charles Pickering and the later by John Winslow) chased the Alabama around the seas and oceans of the world and finally caught up with her. Profusely illustrated (including maps of 'The Cruise of the Alabama' and 'The Battle'), and featuring appendices listing the ships captured or detained by the Alabama; officers and crews of both vessels; extensive chapter notes; and a comprehensive index, "Fire On The Water" is a work of impressive and detailed scholarship, making it a strongly recommended addition to personal and academic library Civil War and American Naval History reference collections and supplemental reading lists. Also very highly recommended are two earlier Civil War studies by James Gindlesperger: "Escape From Libby Prison" and "Seed Corn Of The Confederacy".