Once revered as one of the finest officers in the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont is now, when remembered at all, criticized for resisting technological advancement and for half-heartedly leading the disastrous all-ironclad Union naval attack on Charleston. Although his reputation appeared unshakable after he won the first major Union victory of the Civil War in South Carolina, the failed attack on Charleston brought his career to an abrupt end. Relieved of his command, he was also maligned in the press. In ...
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Once revered as one of the finest officers in the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont is now, when remembered at all, criticized for resisting technological advancement and for half-heartedly leading the disastrous all-ironclad Union naval attack on Charleston. Although his reputation appeared unshakable after he won the first major Union victory of the Civil War in South Carolina, the failed attack on Charleston brought his career to an abrupt end. Relieved of his command, he was also maligned in the press. In Lincoln's Tragic Admiral: The Life of Samuel Francis Du Pont, Kevin J. Weddle challenges this reduction of Du Pont's legacy, combining new and known sources to uncover a thoroughly modern, though flawed, Du Pont. Despite the fact that Du Pont's name has become intertwined with the ironclad due to the catastrophic battle that brought shame on both the man and the machine, Weddie reveals that the admiral was the victim of a double irony: although Du Pont championed technological innovation, he outspokenly opposed the use of the new ironclads to attack Charleston. Only when his objections were overridden did his use of these modern vessels bring his career to a tragic end. Weddle exposes this historical misunderstanding, while also pinpointing Du Pont's crucial role in the development of United States naval strategy, his work in modernizing the navy between the Mexican War and the Civil War, and his push for the navy's technological transition from wood to iron. In his examination of key documents from Du Pont's life and career, Weddle unvells the life-long partnership that Du Pont shared with his wife and confidante, Sophle, who served as an immediate counsel to many of his decisions, while also tackling larger historical questions such as civil-military relations, attitudes toward slavery, innovations in military strategy and organization, and the introduction of new military technology in wartime. Both enlightening and moving, Lincoln's Tragic Admiral will appeal to scholars interested in American, technological, and military history, as well as the general reader interested in the Civil War.
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Seller's Description:
Near Fine in Near Fine jacket. Size: 9x6x1; 1st edition/1st printing, stated. Clean, solid copy with unmarked text. Binding is tight and square. Cover corners are square. Jacket is glossy with minimal wear; no tears. Books, box sets, and items other than standard jewel case CDs and DVDs that sell for $9 or more ship in a box; under $9 in a bubble mailer. Expedited and international orders may ship in a flat rate envelope rather than a box due to cost constraints. All US-addressed items ship with complimentary delivery confirmation.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in very good dust jacket. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. Contains: Illustrations. Nation Divided. Audience: General/trade. 1st edition with DJ as pictured. Binding strong, pages tight. No marks or writing. First two pages have been corner clipped. DJ shows light wear
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Seller's Description:
As New in As New jacket. Signed and Inscribed By Author. Signed and inscribed by the author "To Caroline Brown, I hope you enjoy this story of a great American naval leader. With warm regards, K. J. Weddle Carlisle, PA 13 June 2005" on the half title page. The book and jacket are in as new condition. First Edition, First Printing.