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The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines, and the Secret Mission of
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The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805 Paperback - 2006

by Richard Zacks

In this national bestseller, now in paperback, acclaimed historian Zacks brings the true story of the unheralded American--William Eaton--who brought the Barbary pirates to their knees. 8-page photo section.


Summary

During the age of Napoleon and Lord Nelson, there was an American sideshow, a "covert op" sanctioned by Thomas Jefferson, to try to help stop the Barbary Pirates of North Africa who were hijacking American ships and selling the passengers into slavery. In this compelling historical narrative, author Richard Zacks follows a fanatical American, William Eaton, on his secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli in 1805. For Eaton, a disgraced diplomat on the verge of financial ruin, it was a chance to defy the Barbary Pirates, end humiliating tribute payments and restore national honor. But Jefferson, at the last moment, grew wary of "intermeddling in a foreign government" and he sent Eaton off without money, troops, supplies, and letters of recommendation or even clear orders. Against insane odds, Eaton recruited a band of European mercenaries in Alexandria and led them along with some Arab cavalry and Bedouin fighters on a march across the Libyan Desert to capture the second largest city of Tripoli, only to be subverted when Jefferson arranged a negotiated peace.

From the publisher

A real-life thriller -- the true story of the unheralded American who brought the Barbary Pirates to their knees. In an attempt to stop the legendary Barbary Pirates of North Africa from hijacking American ships, William Eaton set out on a secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli. The operation was sanctioned by President Thomas Jefferson, who at the last moment grew wary of "intermeddling" in a foreign government and sent Eaton off without proper national support. Short on supplies, given very little money and only a few men, Eaton and his mission seemed doomed from the start. He triumphed against all odds, recruited a band of European mercenaries in Alexandria, and led them on a march across the Libyan Desert. Once in Tripoli, the ragtag army defeated the local troops and successfully captured Derne, laying the groundwork for the demise of the Barbary Pirates. Now, Richard Zacks brings this important story of America's first overseas covert op to life.

Details

  • Title The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805
  • Author Richard Zacks
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 454
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Hachette Books, NY USA
  • Date 2006-06-01
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9781401308490 / 140130849X
  • Weight 1.1 lbs (0.50 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.9 x 5.3 x 1.1 in (20.07 x 13.46 x 2.79 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 19th Century
    • Chronological Period: 1800-1850
    • Cultural Region: North Africa
  • Dewey Decimal Code 973.47

About the author

Richard Zacks is a graduate of the Columbia Journalism School, a former syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News, and a freelance journalist for Atlantic Monthly, Time, the Village Voice, London Times, Life, and other publications.
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