American Naval History in 50 Ships: Unsung Vessels from the Colonial Era to the Cold War

While the original concept for this book was a detailed look at 50 seafaring vessels, the label of "50 Ships" can be something of a misnomer. In this book, there are far more than 50 ships discussed at some length. And not all are ships. Among them are two "ships" that could not float, one of which was only dampened by rain. While other books of this kind focus almost exclusively on well-known ships, this work presents a half-hundred vessels that were significant each in their own way, if not viewed as historic by most works of vessel history. The continuum of the ships herein spans from the very first ships of the Continental Navy to the first of the world's supercarriers. While this work covers the literal progression of the ships and their designs and concept changes over this period of time, it also centers the crews who gave them life. They are the heroes, and by association make the vessels heroic ships. Even the heroes, however, are not always heroic; one captain tried to sell his warship in the midst of the Civil War.

Each of the 50 ships has its own chapter in chronological order, with those divided among five eras spanning from the Age of Sail to the Cold War. The intent is to look at ships--and boats-that helped shape seafaring history, even if they were misdirected in their inspiration, design, or execution. Many of the ship names will be unfamiliar, and those that are will be paired with a rounded view of what is known. Indeed, in several instances well-known "facts" are put to rest as the fables they are.