Review: A Rage for Glory
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsThe life of the eminent naval hero that focuses on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death as well as his military accomplishments. As depicted by naval historian de Kay (The Rebel Raiders, 2002, etc.), Stephen Decatur (1779–1820) seemed destined for greatness at an early age. His father spent the Revolutionary War hunting down English merchant vessels, and Stephen earned his own glory in a navy very different from the service today. In the early-19th century, much of an officer's income came from his share of property seized from the enemy, who in those days tended to speak French. Decatur distinguished himself by battling Arabs who spoke Italian, and he gave the young republican navy a resounding motto when an Algerian admiral asked him "Dove andate?" ("Where are you going?"), to which he replied, "Dove mi piace!" ("Where I please!"). Decatur's initial course took him in the path of an older officer named James Barron, who at first was an important ally and friend; "in later years," de Kay writes, "Decatur would freely admit that he had once revered Barron as his own father." But the younger man's reverential attitude disappeared when, in 1807, Barron struck his colors before an attacking English vessel without firing a shot. The attack, one of many incidents that helped precipitate war with England five years later, cost Commodore Barron his command, and Decatur served on the court that sentenced his onetime friend to a five-year suspension from the service. Protesting his innocence, Barron waited out his suspension as a merchant skipper in Denmark, then returned and requested reinstatement. Decatur, now a member of the Board of Naval Commissioners, outspokenly opposed this, and in response Barron challenged him to a duel—an act engineered by a third party, de Kay suggests—that cost Decatur his life. Well-researched and engaging.
Review: A Rage For Glory the Life Of Commodore Stephen Decatur, Usn
User Review - Vinnydbullet - GoodreadsI never had so much fun in the vast ocean of battle. Tantalizing my curiosity, the story of this mans life was amazingly enjoyable. The title caught me and the more its meaning was pondered throughout ... Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Ross - GoodreadsThis man's life reads like a tragic novel. If you are interested in the age of fighting sail and the men that made the era famous (Nelson, Cochrane, etc.) then this a must read. Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Thom - GoodreadsEncountered a reference to this book in a more recent book about the Barbary Wars. Wow - fantastic book! A great story, a great biography, and great history. Recommended to just about anyone, and a text I'll read again. Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - James - GoodreadsGreat book on an American hero that so few Americans even know about. Shame, as his exploits in the burning of the Philadelphia are amazing. The capture of the Macedonian, is a thing of legend. I recommend this book highly. Read it and learn something. Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Tamara - GoodreadsThe audio book is read by John McDonough, one of my favorite readers. This is a biography of Stephen Decatur. This is a quote from Good Reads "Stephen Decatur was one of the most awe-inspiring ... Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Peregrine 12 - GoodreadsThis was one of the most engaging stories I've read in a long time. Not only was it well written, but the events depicted in this man's life were almost unbelievable. Once again, truth is stranger than fiction! (I recommend as audio CD for folks with a long drive ahead of them.) Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - David R. - GoodreadsAn excellent account of a fascinating figure in America's early naval history. Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Carterswift - GoodreadsGreat book about a great man Read full review
Review: A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN
User Review - Evelyn - GoodreadsMy husband's favorite historical person. An amazing man; he pulled such crazy stunts that I'm surprised Hollywood hasn't taken advantage of his story. Read full review
