4.19/5
Author: Nathaniel Philbrick
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2003
Formats: PDF,Hardcover,Paperback,Kindle,Audible Audiobook,Audio,Cassette
Rating: 4.19/5 out of 5569
Publisher: Viking
Check out Readers reviews and rating for books about American history, ancient history, military history. You can easily download Sea of Glory: America's Voyage of Discovery, The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 by # author# from the best rated book stores online. Read&Download Sea of Glory: America's Voyage of Discovery, The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick Online
Oct 16, 2019
In the late 1800s America arraigned a conglomerate of six vessels who set out to map the Pacific Ocean. Nathan Philbrick describes the suffering of the crew, thirst, immobilized in the 'victim's or equatorial regions, and irascible bad tempers. Illness was prevalent.May 08, 2013
When I was in college, I became very good friends with a German guy from Stuttgart named Tobias. He was six-foot-eight, spoke perfect English, and had been a model. We made for an odd sight on campus, since I am not six-foot-eight and am not a Euro model (I did, however, speak passable English).Mar 14, 2019
I have read a few of Philbrick's books and have enjoyed all of them. As a New Englander it is not surprising that his nautical histories are especially engaging. Last Summer at a local book fair I ran across this book at a very attractive price and made the purchase. It has been sitting on my TBR shelf for several months and I thought it was about time to open it. I think this is the best Philbrick book that I have read. Not only is it a good history it is a history with some suspense and reads I have read a few of Philbrick's books and have enjoyed all of them. As a New Englander it is not surprising that his nautical histories are especially engaging. Last Summer at a local book fair I ran across this book at a very attractive price and made the purchase. It has been sitting on my TBR shelf for several months and I thought it was about time to open it. I think this is the best Philbrick book that I have read. Not only is it a good history it is a history with some suspense and reads like a good fiction. The book opens at the beginning of the court martial of the leader of an American Naval expedition in the late 1830's. The story immediately leaves this court martial to trace the life of this accused leader, Charles Wilkes, that will ultimately lead to his present situation and the need to defend himself.Nov 23, 2012
I never heard of this expedition, which over four years charted large swaths of Antarctica, hundreds of Pacific Islands, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and collected sufficient thousands of new ethnographic and biological specimens to initiate the founding of the Smithsonian Insitution. I was glad to be enlightened and to be charmed again by Philbrick’s skill in synthesizing so much historical fact into a narrative that reads like a novel. The tale blends an epic of scientific discovery on the I never heard of this expedition, which over four years charted large swaths of Antarctica, hundreds of Pacific Islands, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and collected sufficient thousands of new ethnographic and biological specimens to initiate the founding of the Smithsonian Insitution. I was glad to be enlightened and to be charmed again by Philbrick’s skill in synthesizing so much historical fact into a narrative that reads like a novel. The tale blends an epic of scientific discovery on the order of Captain Cook with a personal story of an overbearing leader on the order of Captain Bligh.Nov 16, 2016
Nathaniel Philbrick writes intrinsic insightful, depth of minutia factual, and psychologically framed to perfection non-fiction. It's incredible. And for the time frames, numbers of key characters, epic in scope missions and goals! Well, for the seas of the Earth especially those tales- he's a 6 on a 5 star scale.May 07, 2012
Nathaniel Philbrick gets a WriterWorking prize for the best epigram ever to frame a book for this quote from Shakespeare’s Henry VIII: “I have ventured this many summers in a sea of glory but far beyond my depth.†Sea of Glory is the story of Charles Wilkes and the voyage of the great American Exploring Expedition of 1838-42. It was America’s first great effort to stake a place in the annals of world science and exploration. It gave this country a share in the discovery of Antarctica as a Nathaniel Philbrick gets a WriterWorking prize for the best epigram ever to frame a book for this quote from Shakespeare’s Henry VIII: “I have ventured this many summers in a sea of glory but far beyond my depth.†Sea of Glory is the story of Charles Wilkes and the voyage of the great American Exploring Expedition of 1838-42. It was America’s first great effort to stake a place in the annals of world science and exploration. It gave this country a share in the discovery of Antarctica as a continent. It led to the founding of the Smithsonian. It should have been as famous and legendary as Lewis and Clark’s trek over mountain and plain. Yet, few of us have ever heard of it. Why?Apr 10, 2018
This is an absolutely fascinating account of the first international voyage of discovery sponsored by the U.S., the "U.S. Ex. Ex." (the United States South Seas Exploring Expedition, in full), which became the last group of sailing ships (not under steampower) to circumnavigate the globe, in 1838-1842. They discovered Antarctica, and made an enormous number of highly accurate surveys of the South Pacific (their maps of Tarawa were the only available in the U.S. when the invasion of that island This is an absolutely fascinating account of the first international voyage of discovery sponsored by the U.S., the "U.S. Ex. Ex." (the United States South Seas Exploring Expedition, in full), which became the last group of sailing ships (not under steampower) to circumnavigate the globe, in 1838-1842. They discovered Antarctica, and made an enormous number of highly accurate surveys of the South Pacific (their maps of Tarawa were the only available in the U.S. when the invasion of that island was planned in 1945). The expedition's officers corps, all young midshipmen and lieutenants, would go on to produce seven admirals.Nov 29, 2013
I really love and appreciate non-fiction that brings history vividly to life. Using plenty of original source material (personal journals, ship's logs, government records etc.), Nathaniel Philbrick's rigorously researched story of the United States Exploring Expedition -- a scientific surveying mission conducted from 1838 to 1842 -- puts the reader right on board with the crew.Apr 18, 2013
The age of Western exploration of the world was not just about exploration, but more so about imperialism, as this book attests. The so-called US Exploring Expedition from 1838-1842 was not just about exploring and charting most of the Pacific Ocean, as well as part of Antarctica, but also about the murder of Fijians, a precursor to its subjugation of the Native American peoples in the 19th century, its invasion and colonization of the Philippines in the early 20th, and its debacles in The age of Western exploration of the world was not just about exploration, but more so about imperialism, as this book attests. The so-called US Exploring Expedition from 1838-1842 was not just about exploring and charting most of the Pacific Ocean, as well as part of Antarctica, but also about the murder of Fijians, a precursor to its subjugation of the Native American peoples in the 19th century, its invasion and colonization of the Philippines in the early 20th, and its debacles in Afghanistan and Iraq in the 21st. ...moreFeb 02, 2015
This book is about the American expedition that was created to chart the seas. See my complete review on my bookblog: http://quirkyreader.livejournal.com/4...Feb 12, 2008
Jun 01, 2012
Jan 23, 2009
As a work of naval history, I prefer In the Heart of the Sea, but as a study of the effects of deep-seated psychological defects on leadership, Sea of Glory is a fascinating study. I struggle with Lt. Charles Wilkes, commander of the U.S Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, charged with mapping previously unexplored portions of Antarctica, Polynesia, and the Pacific Northwest. He's a man beset by his own demons. But to his credit, Philbrick gives us a nuanced portrait of a man out of his depth, As a work of naval history, I prefer In the Heart of the Sea, but as a study of the effects of deep-seated psychological defects on leadership, Sea of Glory is a fascinating study. I struggle with Lt. Charles Wilkes, commander of the U.S Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, charged with mapping previously unexplored portions of Antarctica, Polynesia, and the Pacific Northwest. He's a man beset by his own demons. But to his credit, Philbrick gives us a nuanced portrait of a man out of his depth, but with the will to succeed (or at least the imagination to tell himself a story about his own personal greatness). Wilkes is alternately pitiable, vicious, loving, poisonous, quick-witted, daring, cowardly, tyrannical, bitter, feckless, wildly irrational, stupid, and vexing - he was also probably the driving force behind much of the expedition's success and enduring contribution to science and exploration despite his own best efforts to alienate himself and torpedo the expedition, time and again.Dec 07, 2017
Unless you are a die-hard pre-Civil War U.S. Naval history buff (which I am not), you probably haven’t heard of of the United States South Seas Exploring Expedition of 1838 (The U.S.Ex.Ex. for short). It is probably not mentioned in a lot of textbooks, even if some of its many discoveries are. There are, according to Nathaniel Philbrick, some very good reasons for this.Jan 24, 2018
An all around excellent historical story! I had never heard of this expedition until I read this book.Jul 29, 2018
You have to love non-fiction to appreciate a book of this nature. I'm a super-nerd when it comes to historical events & voyages of discovery, well-known or not. Philbrick is one of my favorites in that genre for his diligent research of subject matter and then writing in a way that is factual, yet interesting... even intriguing. He provides an excellent "window" into the lives and character of the many people who lived these events and/or made them happen. I first read In the Heart of the You have to love non-fiction to appreciate a book of this nature. I'm a super-nerd when it comes to historical events & voyages of discovery, well-known or not. Philbrick is one of my favorites in that genre for his diligent research of subject matter and then writing in a way that is factual, yet interesting... even intriguing. He provides an excellent "window" into the lives and character of the many people who lived these events and/or made them happen. I first read In the Heart of the Sea many, many years ago and was fascinated with the story and his ability to present it in such detail. For me, he is on par with Erik Larsen and Laura Hillenbrand. ...moreJul 23, 2012
It’s amazing that American history has lost track of the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-42) or the “Ex. Ex.†As a journey of discovery, the expedition is incredibly significant – it’s like Lewis and Clark at sea. Six wooden ships sailing the vast watery wilderness for science, the Stars & Stripes and the future Smithsonian Institution. Along the way, it confirmed the findings of Charles Darwin and established Antarctica as a sixth continent. Four years of exploration and challenging It’s amazing that American history has lost track of the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-42) or the “Ex. Ex.†As a journey of discovery, the expedition is incredibly significant – it’s like Lewis and Clark at sea. Six wooden ships sailing the vast watery wilderness for science, the Stars & Stripes and the future Smithsonian Institution. Along the way, it confirmed the findings of Charles Darwin and established Antarctica as a sixth continent. Four years of exploration and challenging seamanship ranging from Pacific atolls to the accurate mapping of 1,500 miles of Antarctic coastline. (A hundred years later, crafting battle plans during World War II in the Pacific, the Navy learned that the only available chart of Tarawa was the one drawn by the Ex. Ex.!)Nov 24, 2008
Sea of Glory tells the story of the United States' Exploring Expedition (US Ex. Ex. for short) of 1838-1842. This expedition charted, surveyed, and studied much of Antarctica, the South Pacific islands (especially Fiji), and the Columbia River at a time when little, if anything, was known about such places. In fact, the US Ex. Ex. can really be credited with the discovery of Antarctica as a continent since prior to this voyage only the long Antarctic Penninsula was known--which by itself would Sea of Glory tells the story of the United States' Exploring Expedition (US Ex. Ex. for short) of 1838-1842. This expedition charted, surveyed, and studied much of Antarctica, the South Pacific islands (especially Fiji), and the Columbia River at a time when little, if anything, was known about such places. In fact, the US Ex. Ex. can really be credited with the discovery of Antarctica as a continent since prior to this voyage only the long Antarctic Penninsula was known--which by itself would not be considered a continent. Furthermore, the scientific specimens this voyage collected became the basis for the Smithsonian Institute.Jan 31, 2017
Sea of Glory is a fantastic narrative of the largely forgotten U.S. Exploring Expedition of the 1830s. It was not at all the dry and boring "textbook" I was expecting. Rather, it was refined and written almost like a novel using historical sources. It arranges the expedition from start to finish, detailing the political forces that lead to its inception, what perils faced the crew on their journey, and how the political landscape at the time of the expedition's return lead to its fall into Sea of Glory is a fantastic narrative of the largely forgotten U.S. Exploring Expedition of the 1830s. It was not at all the dry and boring "textbook" I was expecting. Rather, it was refined and written almost like a novel using historical sources. It arranges the expedition from start to finish, detailing the political forces that lead to its inception, what perils faced the crew on their journey, and how the political landscape at the time of the expedition's return lead to its fall into obscurity.Jan 05, 2010
Sea of Glory is a very good read, not only as an exciting tale of seafaring and exploration, but also as a cautionary tale. It tells the story of the US Exploring Expedition to Antarctica and the Pacific in 1838-42. The head of the expedition, Commander Wilkes, was a classic toxic boss, and was the storm center of a mass of intrigues and infighting that plagued the expedition from Day 1. I strongly recommend it, not only for people in the military, but for corporate executives. Wilkes' massive Sea of Glory is a very good read, not only as an exciting tale of seafaring and exploration, but also as a cautionary tale. It tells the story of the US Exploring Expedition to Antarctica and the Pacific in 1838-42. The head of the expedition, Commander Wilkes, was a classic toxic boss, and was the storm center of a mass of intrigues and infighting that plagued the expedition from Day 1. I strongly recommend it, not only for people in the military, but for corporate executives. Wilkes' massive mishandling of what would today be called human resources sabotaged what was a very important mission. The tale still offers lessons to be learned. And the passages describing the crews attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of the unexplored polar regions is as gripping as any adventure tale I have ever read.Sep 29, 2014
This book was very interesting, but it was also very long and very slow. It just didn't have the same life to it as Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea, and it reads more like a long historical narrative rather than an exciting adventure at sea. I wish the book had focused more on the expedition itself rather than on Wilkes and his leadership problems. I learned a lot so I'm glad I read this one, but I am also glad that I am finally finished.Dec 22, 2012
Story of the pacific ocean exploration by US in the 1800s. Captain Wilkes was egomaniac with control issues that led to widespread discontent during the four year journey. Great accomplishments during a time of worldwide exploration of the seas.Mar 19, 2014
I really didn't like it so much. I was expecting more of an adventure story, and parts were, but their was too much on the bad leadership, and bad feelings, and bickering between the officers. So no, it was not for me.Nov 02, 2016
The U.S. Exploring Expedition was an amazing exploit. A squadron of six U.S. Navy vessels was sent to explore and chart sites all over the Pacific Ocean, from Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America to Antarctica to the Fijian and Hawaiian Islands to the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. It produced hundreds of charts, some of which remained in use for more than a century, and brought back a massive quantity of scientific specimens that formed a large percentage of the holdings of The U.S. Exploring Expedition was an amazing exploit. A squadron of six U.S. Navy vessels was sent to explore and chart sites all over the Pacific Ocean, from Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America to Antarctica to the Fijian and Hawaiian Islands to the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. It produced hundreds of charts, some of which remained in use for more than a century, and brought back a massive quantity of scientific specimens that formed a large percentage of the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution at its founding. It is tragic that this incredible expedition has been largely forgotten.Jan 20, 2018
The achievements of the US South Pacific Exploration Expedition were spectacular. During its four years at sea between 1838 and 1842, it logged 87,000 miles; surveyed 280 Pacific Islands; created 180 charts (some of which were in use as late as World War Two); and mapped 800 miles of coastline in the Pacific Northwest and 1,500 miles of the Antarctic coastline. The collection of specimens and artifacts the Expedition’s scientists amassed became the foundation for the Smithsonian’s scientific The achievements of the US South Pacific Exploration Expedition were spectacular. During its four years at sea between 1838 and 1842, it logged 87,000 miles; surveyed 280 Pacific Islands; created 180 charts (some of which were in use as late as World War Two); and mapped 800 miles of coastline in the Pacific Northwest and 1,500 miles of the Antarctic coastline. The collection of specimens and artifacts the Expedition’s scientists amassed became the foundation for the Smithsonian’s scientific collections, and the US Botanic Garden, the National Herbarium, the US Hydrographic Office, and the Naval Observatory all owe their existence to the Expedition.Take your time and choose the perfect book.
Read ratings and reviews to make sure you are on the right path.
Check price from multiple stores for a better shopping experience.
COPYRIGHT © 2021
best2read.com