About this title: In this maritime history, Philbrick recreates the ambitious scientific excursion of 1838--the U.S. Exploring Expedition--whose mission was to chart the Pacific and collect samples of life forms. Highly successful in scientific terms, it became controversial because of the loss of ships and men, and resulted in a court-martial. Though almost ...
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Description: Good. Ships from the UK. Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. Your purchase benefits world literacy! read more
Binding: Audio Cassette
Publisher: Books on tape
Date Published: 2003
ISBN-13:9780736696036ISBN:0736696032
Description: Good Condition-Case/Good Condition. Audiobook, Ex-library edition. Unabridged, 9 Cassettes, includes original cassettes, artwork/insert, exterior case. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: THORNDIKE PRESS
Date Published: 2004
ISBN-13:9780786258567ISBN:078625856X
Description: Ex-Library Published by Thorndike Press in 2004. Hardcover. Number of pages: 680. Ex. Library copy-usual stamps and marks. Condition: Very Good. May show some slight signs of wear. #8397819 Shipped from UK. Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail. read more
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Clean & unmarked copy, rear cover has a crease, light wear only. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 480 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Viking Books
Date Published: 11/2003
ISBN-13:9780670032310ISBN:067003231X
Description: Very good in very good dust jacket. Very Good, In very good dust jacket. Glued binding. Paper over boards. With dust jacket. 452 p. Contains: Illustrations. read more
"I like non-fiction audio books. The Sea of Glory is the telling of one of America's little known epic adventures. By the early 19th century most of the major land masses of the world had been discovered, the American revolution had succeeded, the eastern seaboard was well populated and Americans were pushing westward into and across the plains toward the west. England and France were the major sea going nations of the world, and the U.S. felt the pressure to "get in the game" of discovery. This is the story of one Commander Wilkes' voyage of discovery. He was selected by the U.S. Navy and congress to command a fleet of three ships on a three year mission to determine if, in fact, there was a southern continent (Antarctica), to map the shoreline and surrounding shoals and reefs of many of the Pacific islands, especially the Fiji Islands, and to explore and map the northwest coast of North America and the Columbia River. In addition to the mapping mission, a number of scientists were sent along to collect as much new scientific knowledge and specimens as possible.
It is a story of physical hardship as well one might expect, but it is also the story of the collision of huge egos, isolation, power, inhumanity and ambition set in the rigid confines of naval tradition of that time.
The results of this voyage led to the establishment of the Smithsonian and helped confirm the work of Darwin. It established the existence of the Antarctic and led to the U.S becoming a dominant player in the development of the Pacific Islands and the west coast of the United States.
If you are a history buff at all, than this is one you need to add to your reading list.
I find that when I read / listen to / history, I like to follow along on Google Maps as the story unfolds. In this case, you will be able to identify many of the islands, promontories, and landmarks of the South Polar area by the place names given them by Commander Wilkes in honor of his crew members.
The voyage lasted four years and only two ships returned."
"First US sponsored scientific exploration which is a great read due to the "Captain" being a megalomaniac as he attempts to manage 6 ships over 4 years as they sail to Antarticia, the Pacific Islands and the Columbia River Gorge."
"The prose were a bit dry at times but this was eye opening for me as I never heard of the US Ex. Ex. before coming across Sea of Glory. The American contribution to scientific exploration seems to have been much greater than is commonly known."
"Interesting but somewhat tiring story of the U.S. Exploring Expedition. Tiring because there were so many facts that you sometimes became lost. Interesting for the reason of historical fact."
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