A Press of Canvas

I had been reading almost all of Patrick O'Brian's and Alexander Kent's historical naval novels, which are written from the English Navy's perspective. It was such a treat to discover William White's War of 1812 Trilogy, which is from the early American Navy's perspective. I am not a very critical reader ... having tried my hand at a few novels, I know how difficult the process is. I just enjoy the stories and allow myself to get caught up in the adventure. William White's 1812 Trilogy is a great adventure. I really liked each of these books! Prentice Kinser III, D.Min. Author of: Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I love nautical fiction especially from the age of sail. I read all of it I can. All too often, there is a sameness to it. Britania ruled the waves so characters like Hornblower, Bolitho, Aubry, et al ruled the pages from their British quarterdecks. This time, though, we get a different point of view. The main protagonist of this new work is not a British officer. He is an American foremast hand, Isaac Biggs, a topman. He is on his way up and has the chance of some day becoming a ship's master in his own right. The Royal Navy, though, has other plans for him. In their continuing war against the French, they are always short of crew for their men of war. So it is that they resort to the policy of pressing seaman from foreign ships (including warship) they stop on the high seas. They are not too picky about choosing only Englishmen. That is how they come to snatch Isaac Biggs from his ship and he becomes an unwilling part of the Royal Navy. A PRESS OF CANVAS follows Isaac through his indoctrination into this new world and even in this hostile environment his skill and devotion to duty sees him advance. Continuing depredations on the part of the Royal Navy finally leads the US to declare the War of 1812. A small "fleet" of Baltimore privateers manages to swoop down on some captured British prizes and recapture them. In doing so, they liberate Isaac who is part of one of the prize crews. He is recognized by his old captain and immediately offered a position as third mate on one of the privateers. His experience in the Royal Navy sets him up to be a good officer for the US side of the struggle. The actual story does not do much. We see the formation of Isaac as a seaman and potential officer, learning his motivations and drives as the story progresses. There are a few naval encounters but there is no great, overriding sense of mission. Instead, the books seems to be nothing more than a setup for a sequel. Even so, the lack of a real story line does not hurt this book too much. It makes for enjoyable reading with a different view on events and I look forward to reading the sequel.

Generally, I am not an avid reader of historical fiction, but I read this book on a recommendation from a freind. I truly enjoyed White's work, so much so, that I found myself participating in the action, rather than reading it. I could feel the salt spray in my face and the boom of the cannon against my chest. Truly a wonderful read!

As good a yarn as ever one might want. Enertaining and historical with an interesting perspective. A good read for sailor or landlubber. I look forward to the next book in the series.

W.H. White's scholarship climbs the ratlines of our history for us. His views from the maintop, through the eyes of his Isaac Biggs, are knowing, intimate, and refreshingly American. The story pulses with action and the anticipation of action among a crew of real-sailor characters. The book disappears as we stand their watches and fight alongside them.A Press of Canvas gives us an honest and previously poorly lit insight to the period when we confirmed the Revolution and won the world's respect. The men, their spirit, and their wonderful ships were crucial to preventing our young nation's being stillborn. I look forward anxiously to the two more parts of the promised trilogy.