The Monitor Versus the Merrimac: Ironclads at War

Osprey Graphic History #8

by Dan Abnett

In this historic clash in March 1862, the Union Monitor, called by many a “cheese box on a raft,” exchanged cannon shot after cannon shot with the Confederate Merrimac, comically referred to as a “floating barn roof.” Although an indecisive victory for either side, the spectacular event, witnessed by hundreds of people on nearby boats and shorelines, forever changed the way naval warfare was to be fought.

Genres: History, Military History

48 pages, Library Binding

First published September 29, 2006

Reviews

[J. Boo]

We've found a different members of this series of graphic novels of famous battles in library sales. I'm hoping that they were popular, because they're quite good and I hope to pick up more of them. DS#1 (age 8), a military history buff, has read it a couple times so far this week. Took a look at it on his recommendation, and learned quite a bit about the battle myself. I liked the layout, which has the commanders on both sides proclaiming their strategy as the battle unfolds.

[Grant]

A good overview of the first battle between ironclad ships, brought to life with excellent illustrations.

[Lukeb]

I think this was a pretty good historical book about one of the most awesome battles at sea in history. I liked the detailed story about the two first ironclads at war. What I didn't like about this story was that I felt that they should have said how the war eventually ended instead of just talking about one day.

[Holly Letson]

This book is about a battle during the Civil War, where both sides used ironclad ships to do battle at sea. It is told in graphic novel format, and the detail in the drawings is very nice.