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John Paul Jones: Americas First Sea Warrior

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John Paul Jones was a most interesting character, filled with contradictions. He was a fighting captain of the nascent American Navy. He had the foresight to look at the future of America as a world power. At the same time he was a difficult man. He was difficult to put up with if he were your friend, he was disparaging of the poor performance of his fellow captains, he was self-promoting to an extreme. But he was not one you wanted to have an an opponent in battle. His failings prevented him from reaching high rank, among them was his relationship with women. He never married and was accused from time to time of rape, molesting a ten year old girl and numerous affairs with married women. He died in Paris, 45 years old.

This book, written by a Navy Admiral is perhaps the most carefully researched, most balanced of the biographies of John Paul Jones. It has neither the adoration, nor the snide condemnation of some other recent biographies.

Callo's book, many of the other recent historical novels of the same period, helped me better understand the difficulties faced by our new nation and it's leaders. John Paul Jones, like his peers Franklin, Jefferson and Washington, was not a hero but rather became one because of the challenges he faced both on the sea and in the politics of the new nation. The values and traditions we still follow today are well described and as a retired Navy Officer I better understand the origins of our Navy and Jones' contributions. I strongly recommend this book.

Rear Admiral Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.) presents John Paul Jones: America's First Sea Warrior, a biography that eschews both the blind idolization of past accounts and the inaccurately deconstructionist present accounts of Jones' amazing life. Scrutinizing both the well-known aspects of Jones' life, such as his stunning military victories and his tireless advocacy of naval power, and lesser-known aspects such as his relationship with civilian leaders like Benjamin Franklin, which in turn set precedents for a fledgling nation's concept of civilian control of the military. A glossary and an index round out this even-handed and meticulously accurate examination of Jones' life and legacy.

I enjoyed this book. Admiral Callo presented a balanced history that placed the strategic, operational and tactical achievements of John Paul Jones' career in perspective. Admiral Callo, for example, discusses both the strengths and weaknesses of Jones' naval leadership, the fortitious circumstances of the tactical victory over the HMS Serapis (i.e. the role of chance and friction in war), the effect of tactical wins against the British in the larger strategic context of the American Revolution, and the joint operations involving the Russian fleet actions at the Liman of the Dnieper. All said, Admiral Callo avoids the hero-worship of some writers, providing a solidly researched, well-written biography of John Paul Jones' life. I recommend this book for Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines - all members of the Armed Forces should know something about the life of an important patriot who established many traditions for the sea service.

Having read many historical books over many years I found this book very entertaining and an easy read; unlike the text book approach, which is good. Well researched; evidenced for example by certain opinions (such as the Scottish background creating certain grudges so to speak);opinions I agree with together with dropping some minor but interesting side bits such as similar quotes form other people ( I don't want to give too much away). This collectively makes an enjoyable read for young adults & older regardless of whether you are interested in history, the sea or just plain bold adventure. I like the way the book focuses on the man & events, not a detailed textbook on the entire war, its causes & results itself which is the author's aim. This is of course encompassed in the book but in a way that is easily understood without drifting from the main plot. I dare say the author thoroughly enjoyed writing this book; I certainly enjoyed reading it.

Author Joseph Callo does a marvelous job of revealing the life of a mysterious and often misunderstood American Hero. Callo provides sensible motivations for Jones through solidly analyzing and researching his letters and history. For example, Jones's warrior spirit comes from his Scottish upbringing because revolutions for freedom are common occurrences in Scotland. Much to his credit, Callo did not enhance Jones' victories to unjust greatness nor ignore his failures. The reader will be enthralled not only by the brave and determined actions of Jones in combat with a far superior British fleet, but by the daunting realities of what an inexperienced naval commander faced during the American Revolution such as having to prevent violence between his shipmates to name just one example.

The military exploits of Jones are captivating such as his hit and run strategy and his clever ship maneuverings in battle, despite his lack of military knowledge. But the book really shines as Callo does more than simply recite the events of the war; he shows us the unseen struggles faced by military leaders during the revolutionary war: political betrayal, disrespect from his crew, and limited financial support. Callo reveals just how far a person can go by raw determination and belief in the right of liberty. The book also provides letters from three witnesses of Jones's greatest victory, the Battle of Flamborough Head, offering three different perspectives of the events that occurred. This is a wise addition by Callo since it gives the reader a fuller understanding of what happened during Jones's greatest battle.

If you are interested in reading about "that man who gave our Navy its earliest traditions of heroism and victory," John Paul Jones; America's First Sea Warrior is for you.

Mr. Callo is an excellent writer who analyzes Jones' carrer with many of the special insights of a naval officer. Dealing with his men, tactics in battle and the interface between the navy and the political bosses. Quite a contrast to Evan Thomas' portrayal of Jones attacks on England in a political context.