Matt's Reviews > The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines & the Secret Mission of 1805

This was a decent read. Overall was a pretty interesting story on foreign affairs for the fledgeling American empire.

This story gives a pretty good play by play on how The US handled a hostage situation during the dawn of the 1800s. It also gives a feel for the Arab culture which clearly still exisits today.

What is also interesting to me was the ability of men and leaders to wash their past and go through a rebirth if given a chance.

If you like stories of the early 1800s and how they got through trials an challenges with limited technology this is an interesting read. It also dives into the challenges of dealing with that section of the globe, their differences, and their ways.

Overall was a pretty interesting story, especially the harrowing journey of William Eaton and the original US marines through the desert and their constant battle with European Mercinaries and local Bedouin behavior. This journey did give rise to the hymn in the Marines' mantra "The shores of Tripoli" Ultimately, Eaton got a pretty raw deal.

I would give this is 3.5 stars. Interesting piece of history, but not incredibly interesting.