Interesting subject, but where the reader might expect details of high sea battles, the book mostly covers the American Revolutionaries who financed and politically supported the privateers. That being said there are a few accounts of sea battles and the economic impact of the goods taken and how they affected the America Revolution, but again most of the focus is less on the actual sea fairing and more on the politicking and financing that allowed it to happen. While interesting to some it may be dull for readings wanting more adventurous filled stories, which they might expected upon picking up this book (the adage of not judging a book by the cover came to mind). The subject matter is well researched with many quotes from letters of the individuals examined and a rather extensive bibliography of read sources. Fairly well written and comprehensive with a length (approx. 260 pages with the prologue and introduction) that is well suited to a weekend read. A decent and good read. ( )

With only a handful of American Navy warships against the globe-spanning Royal Navy, the real focus on the war at sea was carried out by privately-owned warships, privateers, authorized to attack English ships in exchange for part of what sale of ship and cargo realized. About 1,000 privateers tackled the English fleet with great losses, funneling supplies to the American army and driving up insurance rates. An eye-opening insight into a largely ignored as left of the War for Independence at sea. for this overview, I would like to have seen some more statistics, even with the understanding that firm figures are likely not available. ( )

I really wanted to love this book because the premise was very interesting.  There were a few interesting stories woven throughout that captured my whole attention.  For instance, I was fascinated by the battle between John Paul Jones and the privateers because sailors were abandoning the navy to join privateers for money.  Unfortunately, such stories were scattered willy-nilly in an unorganized narrative.  Patton would have benefited from a good editor and an outline.  There was a good story there, it just got lost in the shuffle. ( )