The Pirate Coast

Thomas Jefferson, The First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805

By: Richard Zacks

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

After Tripoli declared war on the United States in 1801, Barbary pirates captured 300 U.S. sailors and marines. President Jefferson sent navy squadrons to the Mediterranean, but he also authorized a secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli. He chose an unlikely diplomat, William Eaton, to lead the mission, but before Eaton departed, Jefferson grew wary of the affair and withdrew his support.

Astoundingly, Eaton persevered, gathering a ragtag army, including eight U.S. Marines, and leading them on a brutal march across 500 miles of desert. After surviving sandstorms, treachery, and near death from thirst, Eaton achieved a remarkable victory on "the shores of Tripoli", as commemorated in the Marine Corps Hymn. His triumph gained freedom for the American hostages and newfound respect for the young United States, but for Eaton, the aftermath wasn't sweet. When he dared to reveal that the president had abandoned him, Jefferson set out to crush him.

©2005 Richard Zacks (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Zacks has researched thoroughly, writes entertainingly, and shows a knack for sea stories and characterization. This is the book that Captain Eaton has long deserved." (Publishers Weekly)
"Zacks does an expert job of explaining the diplomacy and machinations of the U.S. government....Where Zacks excels is in his research, quipping asides, and loving grasp of the subject" (Kirkus Reviews)

EXCELLENT

I am a huge fan of the Patrick O'Brian novels and have been looking for authors that write about that time period fiction or non fiction. This book hit the mark. It is well researched and well written. The authors meticulous research and writing style will lend itself well to educating future generations. He brings the story alive! The narrator is not the best (he is actually hard to listen to) but after you get into the story you do not notice or care.

So good I didn?t mind the weak narration

The only negative part of this title I think listeners need to be aware of is the weak narration. The reader uses little inflection, then suddenly breaks into weird accents many of which are inappropriate to the nationality of the character he is portraying. That having been said I was so taken by the story and the history that I honestly didn't mind.

Good but long winded.

Outstanding historical account. They didn't teach us about this war in school. Every American should know this stuff, especially now! The book is too long winded. Look for an abridged version (if it exists).

I never knew

This book is an interesting historical account of William Eaton, a man I never knew about but who tackled amazing tasks under unbelievable circumstances. I am surprised that he doesn't hold a more well known place in history. The book does a good job of keeping my interest and giving an historical account of William Eaton's story.

Superb!!!

Great history superbly narrated
Highly recommend this book for history of Barbary pirates and individuals involvrd