The American Navies of the Revolutionary War : paintings

New York: G P Putnam's Sons. Very Good/Good. 1974. First Edition. Hard Cover. Obl Folio 0399111832 Dust jacket, closed tear, wear & minor loss to edges, unclipped price to flap. Blue cloth covered boards with bright gilt titling. Previous owner's inscription on ffep. 128 pages clean and tight. In this series of fifty-three glowing paintings, which have never before been reproduced, an outstanding modern American artist captures the spirit and rugged beauty of the American ships-those of the Continental Navy, the vessels representing the individual Colonies, and the privateers-which served so gallantly against the British in the Revolutionary War. An invaluable contribution to America's tradition of marine art, these stunning paintings-based on original drafts, contemporary descriptions and sail plans of the ships-show not only faithful attention to detail, but also artistic mastery of the grace, verve, and vitality of these memorable vessels. In one particularly dramatic sequence of four paintings, Powell has depicted the great Bon Homme Richard, which the legendary John Paul Jones led to glory-as she was fitted out at L'Orient, France, at the start of her battle with HBM Serapis, during the heat of the terrible battle, and in the last moments, when, after achieving her costly but decisive victory, she sank. Included as well are paintings of the Battle of Lake Champlain, the engagement of the Randolph with HBM Yarmouth and finally, the Alliance, the favorite of the Continental Navy, in her struggle with HMS Trepasy and HMS Atlanta, marking the last naval encounter of the Revolutionary War. Nowland Van Powell provides an authoritative commentary on the history of each ship and the role she played in key naval battles. The entire book is further enhanced by a brilliant introduction in which the eminent historian Richard B. Morris masterfully outlines the broad sweep of the naval theater of the Revolutionary War, setting the stage for the high drama of Nowland Van Powell's art. .