John Paul Jones America's Sailor

by Bruce L. Brager

Describes the life and career of the father of the American Navy.

160 pages, Library Binding

First published March 30, 2006

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones is a biography of the American sailor, John Paul Jones. He was known as the “Father of the American Navy”, this book follows his story out at sea and his involvement with the Revolutionary War.

John was an amazing captain and strategist during naval battles, namely during the fight with Pearson and the Serapis, he showed great courage and determination during said fight, “The men saw that Jones was drawing his pistol, and they also saw the look in his eyes. The enraged Jones tried to shoot Gunnison, but his gun was empty. He then threw the pistol at Gardner, hitting him on the head and knocking him out.”(124). His striving to be a sailor since his childhood really seemed to make him a destructive force to be reckoned with on sea.

When the American Navy was in its early stages and quite weak, John showed up and did some incredible work for them. He was a huge turning tide within the Navy, he showed no fear and even when Pearson asked if he quartered, to which he responded, “‘I may sink, but I’ll be damned if I strike.’... ‘I have not yet begun to fight!’”(124).

This book included an immense amount of knowledge about the American Sailor, John Paul Jones, he was a very interesting person to read and learn about. I personally am not a huge fan of non-fiction books, especially those of the past, but this book drew me in, hook, line, and sinker. This definitely challenged my views on books I typically enjoy reading and I went into it suspecting that I wouldn’t like it. But it really was just different for me.

If you’re into the biographies of historical figures and/or ones within the Revolutionary War period, this book may just speak to you, it contains a lot of information including pictures to further explain certain points. I would absolutely recommend John Paul Jones to others who are interested in the American history of the Revolutionary War, it’s a great work of literacy that you’re sure to enjoy.

The Revolutionary War was a tough time period, especially for our navy, this book dives into how John changed the tides of on-sea battles and potentially the future of on-sea battles. With John helping in the war, we get knowledge of what it may have been like as an American Sailor. War is prevalent and we may never escape it, so people like John are amazing assets to have during those times.