Knights of the Sea

February 15, 2012

On September 5, 1813, two relatively small but evenly matched ships of war, the brigs HMS Boxer (12 guns) and USS Enterprise (14 guns), met in action as opponents during the War of 1812. While not an uncommon occurrence during the "Age of Fighting Sail," this episode occurred off the coast of Pemaquid Point, ME, and was actually witnessed by civilians on land. The battle lasted less than one hour but was brutal and bloody, with both commanders themselves becoming casualties. Hanna (history, University Neighborhood H.S., New York), an award-winning teacher, has taken this relatively insignificant event and focused on the lives of the two commanders, the two navies, and the two countries involved in the war. He uses the opinions, principles, and motivations of the two captains, Samuel Blyth of Portsmouth, England, and William Burrows of Philadelphia, to bring to life this second American war of independence. Behind this is the larger discussion of the politics and global events that led to the conflict. VERDICT Highly readable, this book will appeal to those interested in naval warfare and the War of 1812 as well as those with any interest in early U.S. history. Strongly recommended.--David Lee Poremba, Windermere, FL

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