Price: $42.95
ISBN: 1591142504
Summary: ...NOT a novel. If you're looking for a romantic history--this is not the book you want. If you want a factual historical account with highly detailed drawings about all the many "restorations" of this ship--this book is excellent. I just purchased a 3.5 foot long model of the USS Constitution and I was curious as to it's accuracy--that's why I purchased this book. I'm not a nautical expert--but after seeing the many changes this ship (see? I said "ship" not BOAT:) has gone through, it made me want to find out more about the naval history of our country---and others. Did you know that the USS Constituion was not the first naval frigate launched by our young nation? It was actually the third (see page 8 of this book and verified in other books I've since read as well). I'm wondering if I should tell you the name of our country's first REAL fighting frigate (the largest fighting ship (44 guns) we had as a young nation). Read the book for the answer! This book contains many diagrams, photos, and makes you appreciate just how precious this wonderful real bit of history to us as a nation. The USS Constitution is STILL the oldest official ship of any nation which can still sail on it's own . The USS Constellation in Baltimore is NOT the same Constellation launched as the 5th of 6 completed vessels in 1797. The Constellation, although still a wonderful part of our heritage, was actually launched in 1851 after the other ship was dismantled. It is a much smaller vessel and has no parts of the original frigate of 1797. The HMS Victory, which I also have a large model of, is larger but it is in permanent 'drydock' (meaning it is kept out of water) and belongs to our former "enemy" of the American Revolution-- now our closest partner and friend, Great Britain (UK).
The "Anatomy of the Ship" series is actually a wonderful cadre of books each about a single vessel. It's a great series . I would most definitely urge the reader to purchase if you are interested in the historical facts, diagrams, and detailed analysis of "Old Ironsides". In fact, one could most probably construct a detailed model of the USS Constitution just using this book.
I trust this has given you some insight into the book. Perhaps I'll travel up to Boston so I can see the 'old girl' up close and personal, 'ey matey?