Famed as a classic naval duel, the clash between two sailing frigates of the nineteenth century affords its victor immeasurable fame and glory. During the War of 1812, the Royal Navy and United States Navy squared off in a number of such duels, the most famous between the "USS Constitution" and "HMS Guerriere." Tactics between the two nations varied enormously, with the American Navy favoring twenty-four pound guns, heavy carronades, and larger crews, while the British tended to equip its frigates with eighteen-pound guns and smaller, more economical crews. Through first-hand accounts of officers and sailors present at the battles and fascinating comparisons of artillery, crew ability and tactical achievements, this book offers an unparalleled insight into the ruthless reality of frigate battles in the War of 1812.
About the Author
Mark Lardas is the author of numerous books on maritime and Texas history. A longtime resident of the Houston area, he has maintained an interest in the Port of Houston. In cooperation with the Houston Maritime Museum and the Port of Houston Authority, and with generous assistance from the University of Houston and other local resources, he has pulled together a fascinating collection of images to illustrate the history of the port from its founding in 1836 to its role in the 21st century.
Mr Peter Bull, Consultant Otolaryngologist, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
Mr Ray Clark, Consultant Otolaryngologist, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
"The four battles are fully covered so that we can understand how each ship performed during these times. The book is superbly illustrated with period painting and drawings and there is a statistical analysis of each of the battles. In all, a superlative inclusion to this series. It is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and is one that I know you will find a delight as well." - Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2009)
"Mark Lardas' Constitution vs Guerriere: Frigates During the War of 1812 follows a duel between two 19th century sailing frigates, one of the most brutal classes of arms in history where four famous frigate duels were fought. A vivid analysis of combatants, ships and their battles." -The Bookwatch (December 2009)