Admiral David Dixon Porter: The Civil War Years

Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: An interesting and well written biography of a key and often overlooked Civil War participant.

The role of the Federal and Confederate Navies in the War Between the States has been neglected by almost all historians. Why? Most of the more colorful, decisive actions, the events that sell books, were fought on land.

This is a different type of story from a refreshingly different point of view. It is exciting and enlightening. The Federals could not have won without their excellent Navy, whose role was every bit as crucial as their Army's. This is as good an account of the U.S. Navy's role in the Union's Civil War victory as there is. Viewed through the life of David Dixon Porter, it is a fine testament to the Navy and the man

Rating:
Summary: Chester Hearn Scores Again with D.D. Porter's Bio
Review: Chester G. Hearn has proven once again that he's among the top rank of Civil War naval historians writing today. His bio of one of the war's most colorful naval officers is thorough and very readable, and provides great insight into the motivations of a most difficult and controversial officer.

Rating:
Summary: A great Civil war read
Review: I was fastenated by the story of one of America's fightingAdmrials. Porter's success on the Mississpi river prevented the southfrom using it to transport goods and men anywhere. He effectively cutthe West out of the war by maintianing control of this river.

The book reads as well as any by Bruce Catton. If you think that the Civil war was fought only on the ground, this book is for you.