This is an excellent biography of Raphael Semmes and the CSS Alabama. My previous favorite book on this subject was de Kay's The Rebel Raiders, but I do think that this book is its clear superior. Unlike Rebel Raiders, this book goes into far more illuminating biographical coverage of Semmes. Wolf of the Deep also provides compelling information as to the Alabama's greater geopolitical impact on the American Civil War, something of which I think many learned Civil War enthusiasts would find surprising. From Liverpool to Galveston to Brazil, South Africa, and Singapore the Alabama was the only physical manifestation, available to the general publics, of the Confederate States of America - and what a manifestation she was!

I also greatly appreciated the post-war coverage of Semmes and his slow transition from defiant, unreconstructed rebel to accepting citizen. The only area where I wish more detail was provided was in the Alabama's construction and the Union efforts to prevent her departure. Overall an excellent book - one that clearly shows the true global importance of this one ship and its fractious crew.

This is a short book that covers the important cavalry actions that happened on or near the East Cavalry Field at the Gettysburg Battlefield. The narrative is brisk, informative, and filled with many great human stories. My only wish would be that the book have a few more maps - maybe one that would have better shown how Stuart's and Gregg's forces arrived at the battlefield. And one or two more maps that would have shown the positions of the Confederate and Union forces during the sweeping battles on July 3rd. Given how fluid and chaotic that battle was having a few more time-based maps could have added some additional depth.

I thought the book was very compelling in its conclusions - giving Gregg significant kudos and placing Custer in a more limited and appropriate light. I also very much appreciated the section at the end that would help any visitor to find and visit the sites covered in this battle.

A truly beautiful book that displays many of the weapons that were used throughout history - a must for anyone with interest in this category.

A fascinating history of the US Navy's earliest days. I truly enjoyed all of the historical detail surrounding the construction of the US Navy's first frigates and their subsequent battles. The book does much to establish the early US Navy as a successful organization that managed to produce important victories (if only for moral support) against the much larger British Navy. Equally interesting is all the biographical information of the sea captains who piloted these great ships - what a different era.

What a tremendous atlas and historical resource! This book from Derek Hayes brings together a wealth of maps covering California - from ancient to modern. The book is beautifully layed out and a joy to read.

I recently saw the Edward Hopper exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washinton DC - a truly remarkable and beautiful exhibit of Hopper's works. While Night Hawks is his most celebrated work I also greatly admired seeing "Chop Suey" (on the cover) and "Gas". This is a great book that covers that exhibit in detail.

This is a truly fascinating and well written history of the origin of bicycles. With the advent of the automobile its easy to ignore the great engineering triumph that the bicycle represented in the 1800s. This book, filled with wonderful illustrations, brings to life the trials, tribulations, and ultimate success of the bicycle pioneers. Imagine if the automobile was never invented?

An important work, even now. Schumpeter describes all of the strengths of Capitalism, but also subjects it to careful criticism. That which makes Capitalism so effective - creative destruction - could also be the source of its own demise.

An excellent and readable book that encapsulates many of the important tenants of what represents good and effective design on the internet today.