Description
The frigate was the most versatile and arguably the most vital warship in the age of sail. Through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, they prowled the seas, acting as the “eyes of the fleet” for the navies they served. THE GREAT SHIPS; presents the story of these famed vessels. Discover how they were the heart of the first American Navy – not from choice, but because the Colonies could afford these small swift ships that could be built in only two months. Traditionally used for dispatches and scouting, the American ships were armed with enough guns to devastate the renowned Royal British Navy. FRIGATES brings the great engagements of the Revolution to life through period art and accounts and expert commentary. And go aboard the most famous frigate of all – the U.S.S. Constitution.The Yankee Frigate not only took a place in history, but helped to shape it.
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#1 by Dr J on November 23, 2009 - 2:57 pm
Frigates
This is one of the volumes in the History Channel’s series “The Great Ships.” It covers the development and use of the frigate in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The most interesting parts are the exploits of the Americans against the British (the USS Constitution) and Stephan Decatur’s cutting out expedition against the Barbary Pirates. New to me was the problem of `hogging’ and how an American shipwright, Joshua Humphries, solved it (you’ll have to watch the video to find out what hogging is and what Humphries did about about.) The stories are told mainly with pictures, but there are some reenactors. However, they really don’t add much to the video. I learned a lot and enjoyed the video. I recommend it.
Rating: 4 / 5