Monitor: The Story of the Legendary Civil War Ironclad and the Man Whose Invention Changed the Course of History

by James Tertius de Kay

Describes the origins and development of the Monitor, the ironclad Union ship that engaged the Confederate Merrimac in an epic 1862 naval battle that forever changed the course of ship design and technology.

Genres: History, Civil War, Nonfiction, American Civil War, American History, Military History

247 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 1997

About the author

James Tertius deKay is also the author of Monitor: The Story of the Legendary Civil War Ironclad and the Man Whose Invention Changed the Course of History and Chronicles of the Frigate Macedonian. He lives in Stonington, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful little book focused on the battle between the ironclads in early Civil War times. This spare book is but 228 some pages with a small text block, and has liberal margins to boot. But that said, it is packed with details on this singular event in United States martial history - one that pretty much changed the face of naval warfare from wooden ships to steel vessels.

The tale is a popular rendering of a battle everyone has heard of - the Monitor and the Merrimac (technically the Virginia). While much has been written on this subject, this account focuses on the men and machines and delves into much of the back story. While this narrative is more of a popular nonfiction account rather than an academic tome, I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and it is one that works on an airplane trip or on the beach. Recommended.

[Sic Transit Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but not always factual. The author tends to gloss over Monitor's and Ericsson's flaws and boost the good facts.

On second thought, I would not recommend this book as a source of information for a paper (or any other related assignment). James Tertius de Kay is clearly doing more than just "looking on the bright side". He's using sketchy facts and sources to boost Ericsson's reputation, as well as passing the blame for bad design from Ericsson to others. I'm not sure where he's getting all of his information, but it doesn't always line up with what the rest of the world has to say. I repeat: Do not cite this book for any paper.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good quick overview of the brief history of the Monitor, the battle with CSS Tennessee and the adoption of ironclad vessels in navies around the world. You will find more detail than what you could expect to find in more comprehensive histories of the Civil War. There are other histories that get into more detail on the personalities and politics involved in the decisions to build the ship and on the contrasts between the US Navy and the Confederate Navy but this is a good introduction.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son borrowed this book to complete research for a term paper, and I got hooked! The author shared so many interesting tidbits that aren't common knowledge about the Monitor and the Virginia, their captains, the battle, etc. It was an enjoyable read!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply researched and well written story of the development of the ironclad, Monitor, and the engineer who designed her. Many little know facts and interesting human information.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good study of engineering and inventions and their impact on we well-studied war.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written. Compelling story.

[Dennis P Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

7.