The Shores of Tripoli: Lieutenant Putnam and the Barbary Pirates, Haley - B+

                                               I can't say enough about this fabulous historical novel. The author is an acclaimed historian who has turned to creating a naval series that is off to a fine start. Bliven Putnam, his intended, Clarity Marsh, and his bunkmate Sam Bandy are the only fictional characters. Everyone else in the infant navy are actual men who sailed and fought in America's first overseas adventure. The story is well-told and focuses on the history, as opposed to the Patrick O'Brian novels which emphasized the nautical aspects of the large and powerful sailing ships of the era. There is a second book about the War of 1812 coming soon and I am looking forward to it.