Publisher: W. W. Norton

Copyright Date: 2014

Edition Date: 2014 Release Date: 10/01/14

Pages: 304 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates

ISBN: 0-393-24089-4

ISBN 13: 978-0-393-24089-4

Dewey: 921

LCCN: 2014020493

Dimensions: 25 cm.

Subject Heading:
Cushing, William Barker,. 1842-1874.
United States. Navy. Officers. Biography.
Albemarle (Confederate ironclad).
Ship captains. United States. Biography.
United States. History. Civil War, 1861-1865. Commando operations.

Language: English

Bibliography Index/Note: Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-288) and index.

Reading Level: 9.0

Interest Level: 9+

Theodore Roosevelt said that Cushing "comes next to Farragut on the hero roll of American naval history," but most have never heard of him today. Tossed out of the Naval Academy for "buffoonery," Cushing proved himself a prodigy in behind-the-lines warfare. Given command of a small union ship, he performed daring, near-suicidal raids, "cutting out" confederate ships and thwarting blockade runners. With higher commands and larger ships, Cushing's exploits grow bolder, culminating in the sinking of the Albemarle. A thrilling narrative biography, steeped in the tactics, weaponry, and battle techniques of the Union Navy, Commander Will Cushing brings to life a compelling yet flawed figure. Along with his three brothers, including one who fell at Gettysburg, Cushing served with bravery and heroism. But he was irascible and complicated--a loveable rogue, prideful and impulsive, who nonetheless possessed a genius for combat. In telling Cushing's story, Malanowski paints a vivid, memorable portrait of the army officials, engineers, and politicians scrambling to win the war. But he also goes deeper into the psychology of the daredevil soldier--and what this heroic and tragic figure, who died before his time, can tell us about the ways we remember the glories of war.