Sea of Glory : America's Voyage of Discovery, the U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but depressing
Review: This fabulous narrative is marred by the depressing nature of the events being described. The accomplishments of the US Ex.Ex. were colossal, and in fact dependent on the incredible energy and abilities of its tyrannical and unstable commander, Lt. Wilkes. The politics and infighting which consumed the return of the expedition are described in so much detail as to bring us down at the end. The fact that this amazing journey of discovery has vanished into obscurity due to the human failings of its commander and officers, and the various government and Navy functionaries who participated in the courts martial, rings true and yet tastes bitter. For me, the triumph of pettiness and the worst of human nature drags the book down unfairly, because it is written extremely well.

Rating:
Summary: A Rewarding Read
Review: This tale of America's first great voyage of discovery is an expedition in and of itself. Philbrick intertwines the hopes and fears of a man with those of a young nation, as they both search for a seat at their respective tables by the greatest means of their time, an epic naval exploration. In a tale as big as life itself, Philbrick navigates from points of personal triumph and discovery, through contention and the forming of immortal bonds of brotherhood, to the completion of a task whose depth and breadth have never been fully surveyed.
Sure to be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in history, adventure, or anyone just looking for a good story.