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John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail
Finalist for the Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Excellence in Naval Literature
“Ashore as well as at sea, Tim McGrath paints an informative, engaging and highly entertaining portrait of this worthy but neglected hero of American independence. The author shows us a man who was a magnificent embodiment of common sense—and uncommon courage and dedication. That such a work is long overdue makes its achievement all the more pleasurable.”—Wall Street Journal
“Combining sophisticated use of sources with a pleasing writing style, McGrath masterfully rescues a father of the U.S. Navy from unmerited eclipse.”—Publishers Weekly
“A nearly indispensable addition to U.S. Navy collections.”—Booklist“McGrath employs exemplary narrative style in this work. . . . In John Barry, the author adroitly juxtaposes maritime history, narratives of naval combat, and early U.S. social history.”—New England Quarterly
“McGrath is a compelling and lucid writer. He brings Barry to life, makes battles understandable, and provides the clearest description of Barry's 1778 capture of the British transport ships Mermaid and Kitty that this reviewer has seen.”—Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography
“A great read and an absorbing account of a drama-filled life.”—Naval History
“Well researched, well written, and a pleasure to read, this book restores John Barry to the important place he once held as one of our nation’s great heroes. It is a tale of high adventure and personal courage and you will not want to put it down.” —JAMES L. NELSON, author of George Washington’s Secret Navy
“Readers of this vivid biography will imagine they smell the ocean’s salt air and the sulfurous fumes of gunpowder as they navigate these action-packed pages. Fans of Horatio Hornblower and Lucky Jack Aubrey will rejoice in discovering their real-life American counterpart.”—GREGORY J. URWIN, author of Facing Fearful Odds: The Siege of Wake Island
The man regarded as “the Father of the American Navy” returns to the quarterdeck in John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail, the first comprehensive biography of this legendary officer in generations. Son of a hardscrabble Irish farmer from County Wexford, Barry was sent to sea as a child, arriving in Philadelphia during the restless decade before the American Revolution. Brave and ambitious, he ascended the ratlines to become a successful merchant captain at a young age, commanding the most prestigious ship in the colonies and recording the fastest known day of sail in the century.
Volunteering to fight for the Continental cause, Barry saw his star rise during the War for Independence. As captain of the Lexington, Raleigh, and Alliance, Barry faced down broadsides, mutinies, and even a fleet of icebergs. He captured the first enemy warship taken by a Continental vessel and fought the last battle of the American Revolution. His hard-won victory over two British warships simultaneously garnered him international notoriety, while his skill as a seafarer and cool temper established Barry as a worthy foe among British captains. Without a ship during the winter of 1776-77, the ever resourceful Barry lead a battery of naval artillery at the battle of Princeton. With peace came a historic voyage to China, where Barry helped open trade with that reclusive empire. In 1794, President Washington named Barry as the first commissioned officer in the new United States Navy. Given the title of commodore, Barry ended his career during America’s naval war with France, teaching the ropes to a new generation of officers, most notably Stephen Decatur.
Drawn from primary source documents from around the world, John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail by Tim McGrath brings the story of this self-made American back to life in a major new biography.
“Ashore as well as at sea, Tim McGrath paints an informative, engaging and highly entertaining portrait of this worthy but neglected hero of American independence. The author shows us a man who was a magnificent embodiment of common sense—and uncommon courage and dedication. That such a work is long overdue makes its achievement all the more pleasurable.”—Wall Street Journal
“Combining sophisticated use of sources with a pleasing writing style, McGrath masterfully rescues a father of the U.S. Navy from unmerited eclipse.”—Publishers Weekly
“A nearly indispensable addition to U.S. Navy collections.”—Booklist“McGrath employs exemplary narrative style in this work. . . . In John Barry, the author adroitly juxtaposes maritime history, narratives of naval combat, and early U.S. social history.”—New England Quarterly
“McGrath is a compelling and lucid writer. He brings Barry to life, makes battles understandable, and provides the clearest description of Barry's 1778 capture of the British transport ships Mermaid and Kitty that this reviewer has seen.”—Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography
“A great read and an absorbing account of a drama-filled life.”—Naval History
“Well researched, well written, and a pleasure to read, this book restores John Barry to the important place he once held as one of our nation’s great heroes. It is a tale of high adventure and personal courage and you will not want to put it down.” —JAMES L. NELSON, author of George Washington’s Secret Navy
“Readers of this vivid biography will imagine they smell the ocean’s salt air and the sulfurous fumes of gunpowder as they navigate these action-packed pages. Fans of Horatio Hornblower and Lucky Jack Aubrey will rejoice in discovering their real-life American counterpart.”—GREGORY J. URWIN, author of Facing Fearful Odds: The Siege of Wake Island
The man regarded as “the Father of the American Navy” returns to the quarterdeck in John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail, the first comprehensive biography of this legendary officer in generations. Son of a hardscrabble Irish farmer from County Wexford, Barry was sent to sea as a child, arriving in Philadelphia during the restless decade before the American Revolution. Brave and ambitious, he ascended the ratlines to become a successful merchant captain at a young age, commanding the most prestigious ship in the colonies and recording the fastest known day of sail in the century.
Volunteering to fight for the Continental cause, Barry saw his star rise during the War for Independence. As captain of the Lexington, Raleigh, and Alliance, Barry faced down broadsides, mutinies, and even a fleet of icebergs. He captured the first enemy warship taken by a Continental vessel and fought the last battle of the American Revolution. His hard-won victory over two British warships simultaneously garnered him international notoriety, while his skill as a seafarer and cool temper established Barry as a worthy foe among British captains. Without a ship during the winter of 1776-77, the ever resourceful Barry lead a battery of naval artillery at the battle of Princeton. With peace came a historic voyage to China, where Barry helped open trade with that reclusive empire. In 1794, President Washington named Barry as the first commissioned officer in the new United States Navy. Given the title of commodore, Barry ended his career during America’s naval war with France, teaching the ropes to a new generation of officers, most notably Stephen Decatur.
Drawn from primary source documents from around the world, John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail by Tim McGrath brings the story of this self-made American back to life in a major new biography.
704 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 20, 2017
I share their enthusiasm of the 5 star reviewers and only demur my fifth star because this biography does not succeed as an in-depth critical analysis. It is said that most biographers tend to lose their objectivity towards their subject. It is possible that biographer Tim McGrath never intended for this to be a fully objective biography. In my case four stars also reflects the inability to give 4 ½ stars.
In 2012 we tend to prefer the antihero or to know that candidates for heroic standing always had clay feet. Mr. McGrath's John Barry, whatever his weaknesses may have been, they are not included in this story. What this book is about is a real-life rags to- if not riches than to prominence, by a great leader, warrior, American patriot and family man.
John Barry would begin his life a younger son in an impoverished Irish family. He would be sent to the American colonies to join a successful seagoing relative. Through family influence he gains a working birth aboard a merchantman and quickly established himself as a reliable sailor, leader, and ultimately merchant captain in demand. He befriendrd the financier,future civilian leader of the colonial Navy and fellow Irishman, Robert Morris. As one of Morris's captains Barry made several successful merchant cruises.
When it became clear that the colonies would fight to gain their independence from England, Barry was among the first to offer himself to command such ships as the colonial Navy could provide. Initially it was his skills as an administrator that the Navy employs. As such he was be instrumental in the fitting out and construction some of America's first fighting ships. Ultimately he was given command of his own ships and with them he brang America some of their first naval victories. Also, much to Barry's frustration he was placed in in support rolls of American diplomatic efforts with France. What he wanted was to fight.
McGrath makes a very strong case that Commodore Barry was also important in his ability to identify, train, and motivate America's next generation of naval leadership. During much of his service Barry depended on his continuing friendship with Robert Morris. As the so-called Agent of Marine, Morris was vital in funding and administering what became the U.S. Navy. However by the end of Barry's career Benjamin Stoddard would be his boss as Sec. of the Navy. The relationship between these two would never be as warm and indeed Sec. Stoddard would conclude prematurely if not ultimately correctly that Barry was passed his prime. Even so Sec. Stoddard would frequently appoint "Barry's boys" to important captaincies in the Navy that fought the Barbary Pirates.
John Barry continued the family's traditions by providing money, a place to live and opportunities to work for not only members of his Irish family but for the children of his second wife's extended family. This aspect of John Barry the citizen is also important because some of his wife's family were notorious royalists, supporters of England against their native America.
In John Barry: an American in the Age of Sail, Tim McGrath presents a very readable and very well documented biography. In doing so, he helps to remind us that we are a nation with heroes in our heritage. There was one area where John Barry was too much a man of his time, McGrath does not hide the fact that Barry was a slave owner was to his death. In his will he provided for the manumission of his two household slaves. There is no evidence that they were ever actually set free. This is the only blemish on John Barry's history reported in this biography.
McGrath reminds us that there are several candidates for the title Father of the American Navy. We are reminded that whatever claim John Paul Jones has to that title, much of that claim is based on Jones's notorious self-promotion. Reading as something like an "in-your-face" burn McGrath points to John Paul Jonese's permanent enshrinement at the United States Naval Academy and reminds you that John Paul Jones is forever alone. John Barry on the other hand lived out his life with the support of a loving family and is buried alongside them. In raising the issue of who is the father of the American Navy McGrath nominates John Barry but does not make a concluding argument.
Because this is a well-documented biography it has a greater value than the expression casual biography would suggest. Alternately it lacks the critical analysis and thorough discussion of historical context that would lift it to a position with more serious, academic scholarship. My decision to stay with four stars and not to round up from 4 ½ is because I believe Mr. McGrath wished to achieve a more scholarly and less "popular" type of history book.
If the expression wooden ships and iron men stirs any part of the salt in your veins this book is for you. John Barry was one of the iron men commanding America's wooden ships. Tim McGrath has given us a biography worthy of this most worthy heroic American.
In 2012 we tend to prefer the antihero or to know that candidates for heroic standing always had clay feet. Mr. McGrath's John Barry, whatever his weaknesses may have been, they are not included in this story. What this book is about is a real-life rags to- if not riches than to prominence, by a great leader, warrior, American patriot and family man.
John Barry would begin his life a younger son in an impoverished Irish family. He would be sent to the American colonies to join a successful seagoing relative. Through family influence he gains a working birth aboard a merchantman and quickly established himself as a reliable sailor, leader, and ultimately merchant captain in demand. He befriendrd the financier,future civilian leader of the colonial Navy and fellow Irishman, Robert Morris. As one of Morris's captains Barry made several successful merchant cruises.
When it became clear that the colonies would fight to gain their independence from England, Barry was among the first to offer himself to command such ships as the colonial Navy could provide. Initially it was his skills as an administrator that the Navy employs. As such he was be instrumental in the fitting out and construction some of America's first fighting ships. Ultimately he was given command of his own ships and with them he brang America some of their first naval victories. Also, much to Barry's frustration he was placed in in support rolls of American diplomatic efforts with France. What he wanted was to fight.
McGrath makes a very strong case that Commodore Barry was also important in his ability to identify, train, and motivate America's next generation of naval leadership. During much of his service Barry depended on his continuing friendship with Robert Morris. As the so-called Agent of Marine, Morris was vital in funding and administering what became the U.S. Navy. However by the end of Barry's career Benjamin Stoddard would be his boss as Sec. of the Navy. The relationship between these two would never be as warm and indeed Sec. Stoddard would conclude prematurely if not ultimately correctly that Barry was passed his prime. Even so Sec. Stoddard would frequently appoint "Barry's boys" to important captaincies in the Navy that fought the Barbary Pirates.
John Barry continued the family's traditions by providing money, a place to live and opportunities to work for not only members of his Irish family but for the children of his second wife's extended family. This aspect of John Barry the citizen is also important because some of his wife's family were notorious royalists, supporters of England against their native America.
In John Barry: an American in the Age of Sail, Tim McGrath presents a very readable and very well documented biography. In doing so, he helps to remind us that we are a nation with heroes in our heritage. There was one area where John Barry was too much a man of his time, McGrath does not hide the fact that Barry was a slave owner was to his death. In his will he provided for the manumission of his two household slaves. There is no evidence that they were ever actually set free. This is the only blemish on John Barry's history reported in this biography.
McGrath reminds us that there are several candidates for the title Father of the American Navy. We are reminded that whatever claim John Paul Jones has to that title, much of that claim is based on Jones's notorious self-promotion. Reading as something like an "in-your-face" burn McGrath points to John Paul Jonese's permanent enshrinement at the United States Naval Academy and reminds you that John Paul Jones is forever alone. John Barry on the other hand lived out his life with the support of a loving family and is buried alongside them. In raising the issue of who is the father of the American Navy McGrath nominates John Barry but does not make a concluding argument.
Because this is a well-documented biography it has a greater value than the expression casual biography would suggest. Alternately it lacks the critical analysis and thorough discussion of historical context that would lift it to a position with more serious, academic scholarship. My decision to stay with four stars and not to round up from 4 ½ is because I believe Mr. McGrath wished to achieve a more scholarly and less "popular" type of history book.
If the expression wooden ships and iron men stirs any part of the salt in your veins this book is for you. John Barry was one of the iron men commanding America's wooden ships. Tim McGrath has given us a biography worthy of this most worthy heroic American.
January 3, 2022
Tim McGrath is a talented researcher who does his best to transpose scattered and hard to find details into a readable narrative. While this was clearly a more focused biography his other works are more readable due to a more sweeping scope. That said it is VERY clear that the Naval heroes of the day who did the real infinitely hard work of facing down the most powerful Navy in the world with the worst equipped, worst financed and worst manned fledgling force a great historical injustice. Barry is little remembered even within US Navy history. I feel there were two reasons for this one of which the author made clear; no political connections. The second which was intoned but not stated outright in the book was that Barry was Irish in origin. There were several amazing Irish born US Navy/Colonial Navy Captains whose tales were even better than those of O'Brien's fictional Jack Aubrey and they get almost no notice by historians. Overall I liked the book as it gave a short but well researched insight into someone who the US owes greatly for its independence as equal or greater to anything done by Knox, Lafayette or John Paul Jones.
April 19, 2018
Excellent read!
Very well written account of a different aspect of the American Revolution. Fun to be able to relate to my past visits to Philadelphia and noting landmarks are establishments mentioned in this book. Looking forward to go back armed with this new knowledge and insight.
Very well written account of a different aspect of the American Revolution. Fun to be able to relate to my past visits to Philadelphia and noting landmarks are establishments mentioned in this book. Looking forward to go back armed with this new knowledge and insight.
August 18, 2021
Living near Philadelphia I always wonder about John Barry for whom the Commodore Barry bridge is named for. This book not only tells his history but the ups and downs of the fledgling US Navy. It was difficult to read at times due to all the nautical terms but a must read for history buffs like myself.
November 9, 2025
Excellent biography, reflecting deep research, the story of a great American patriot. Barry was a sea captain and an officer in the American navy during the Revolutionary War whose record was flawless.
October 28, 2012
Back in 2007, visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia, we came across a statue in the park behind the hall. At first glance, we all thought it was Washington. On the front of the statue there was a weathered bronze plaque which simply said "Barry". None of us knew who he was or why he was so important to have a statue placed in such a highly visible spot. We had to wait until 2010 and this book to really find out.
Hum drum history books in my day simply painted John Paul Jones as the lone naval American hero of the Revolution and "Father" of the American Navy, apparently he simply had a better PR man - that man being Teddy Roosevelt. After reading and research in the life and exploits of JPJ, I would have to side with those that believe Barry to be just as deserving of the title - and based upon his relationships with the Revolutionary government and ability to work within the system as it was - I think he is more deserving of the title. Just as brave and daring as Paul Jones, with better organization and political skills.
I look forward to heading back to Philadelphia to spend some time looking at that statue and visiting his resting place.
Back to the book - a definitive biography. So much detail and so informative, after reading it, I feel as if I know Barry as well as an everyday acquaintance. All in all, this is another rather typical American tale, typical but no less extraordinary in telling the story of an immigrant overcoming class structure and a life of little opportunity coming to the colonies, adopting America as his home, then applying his talents and grit to achieve much in the Revolutionary cause. At the end of it all, aside from his ship handling skills and talents for battle and leading men, Barry was a good, hardworking man who did not put on airs. I actually felt grief at Barry's passing at the end of the book and would have enjoyed reading more about his life at Strawberry Hill.
A good book that students of the Revolutionary period and the age of sail should not miss.
Hum drum history books in my day simply painted John Paul Jones as the lone naval American hero of the Revolution and "Father" of the American Navy, apparently he simply had a better PR man - that man being Teddy Roosevelt. After reading and research in the life and exploits of JPJ, I would have to side with those that believe Barry to be just as deserving of the title - and based upon his relationships with the Revolutionary government and ability to work within the system as it was - I think he is more deserving of the title. Just as brave and daring as Paul Jones, with better organization and political skills.
I look forward to heading back to Philadelphia to spend some time looking at that statue and visiting his resting place.
Back to the book - a definitive biography. So much detail and so informative, after reading it, I feel as if I know Barry as well as an everyday acquaintance. All in all, this is another rather typical American tale, typical but no less extraordinary in telling the story of an immigrant overcoming class structure and a life of little opportunity coming to the colonies, adopting America as his home, then applying his talents and grit to achieve much in the Revolutionary cause. At the end of it all, aside from his ship handling skills and talents for battle and leading men, Barry was a good, hardworking man who did not put on airs. I actually felt grief at Barry's passing at the end of the book and would have enjoyed reading more about his life at Strawberry Hill.
A good book that students of the Revolutionary period and the age of sail should not miss.
October 12, 2010
John Barry is often overlooked in the early American naval history. McGrath set out to rehabilitate Barry's image in history. He succeeds in support the argument for Barry to be better remembered. The issues in his book isn't the length of the book or his research but for me McGrath became a distraction in his writing from Barry. To often McGrath would personalize or interject his feelings into the text such as "Barry must have rolled his eyes". This became a distraction to the reading because it happened often enough to disrupt the flow. What the book excelled in was relating an argument for Barry to be considered better in histories. However with John Paul Jones as a contemporary Barry perhaps the better captain and motivator can't compete with the flash of Jones. With that being said at the end of the book he makes an argument for Barry to have the same status if not better than Jones. It was a good look at the Revolutionary War navy and the in between years and the start of the US Navy.
April 15, 2011
Interesting to see that politics and petty rivalries existed as much in colonial times as the modern era. I have seen this in other historical books about Washington, Franklin and others. It is amazing we won our independence.
Barry was above playing the political game which undoubtedly hurt his career. He tried to let his actions speak for him. Came away appreciating his integrity and dedication to country.
Interesting to learn more about the use of Privateers (sanctioned pirates) and the incredible challenges faced on a sailing vessel of this era. The book is comprehensive and includes a lot of detail about shipbuilding, cannons etc that can seem repetitive. Overall, interesting story about an important figure in nation's history who could have done even more but for the many obstacles put in his way.
Barry was above playing the political game which undoubtedly hurt his career. He tried to let his actions speak for him. Came away appreciating his integrity and dedication to country.
Interesting to learn more about the use of Privateers (sanctioned pirates) and the incredible challenges faced on a sailing vessel of this era. The book is comprehensive and includes a lot of detail about shipbuilding, cannons etc that can seem repetitive. Overall, interesting story about an important figure in nation's history who could have done even more but for the many obstacles put in his way.
January 7, 2014
A thorough and insightful biography of a less than well known patriot and hero of the fledgling United States Navy. Always true to his country, his family, and most of all, his personal values of honesty and loyalty, Barry shines as an example of a man of duty, honor,and country as guiding principles. The book is an insightful look at facets of the history of the American revolution often overlooked, including personal pettiness in position, jealousy of office, and unbridled ambition. All in all, the book is a fresh perspective on an historical era and the role played by the fledgling United States Navy and the background upon which it played out.
March 2, 2016
I found this book by accident and was fascinated by it. Here's a hero of our country's revolution, who I would be that 10 out of 10 general college student have never heard of. After going to sea as a boy, he worked his was from ship's boy to captain. He became a captain of his own "brig" in his twenties. He was one of the reasons that the colonies were able to convert merchant ships into war ships and he was one of the guys who went toe to toe with the premier navy of the time and won.
I really recommend this book.
I really recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
Apparently 500 pages instead of 700. The last 200 are notes and sources. Anyway, detailed account as best historians can determine, of the life of the father of the United States Navy. Details get a bit pedantic at times but it's a history book, it happens. Otherwise an easy read filled with details not just of Barry but of what was happening in America and other parts of the world around the Revolutionary War, and includes a brief look at trade with China in the late 18th/early 19th Century.
June 15, 2012
New insight into America's Revolutionary war. John Barry was Irish and his family had been opressed by the British in Europe for decades. He became an accomplished merchant marine captain and when we declared our independence, there was no doubt that he was ready to fight the British in any way he could. Book gave very detailed accounts of naval engagements.
November 23, 2017
It's tough to find books that are well researched and filled with detail, yet make 500 pages fly by because it's so well written. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will be seeking out other books by Mr McGrath!
July 30, 2018
Meticulously researched and very detailed. This was a glimpse into life on the high seas during and after the Revolutionary War. Ship building and nation building together created our Navy and the men who championed both.
September 22, 2011
A very good book about a neglected founder of the American navy.
May 28, 2012
I am reading this book right now and it is amazing to think of the skill and the adventure of John Barry against the largest Navy at the time with his handful of ships.
July 20, 2013
A look at the Father of the US Navy. He is a forgotten figure in the American Revolution this is an excellent and remarkable book. It should be required reading of every Navy officer. .
May 16, 2015
John Barry, one of the early captains in a navy that was born in his time. I knew very little about the battles fought at sea during the revolution. Enlightening.
October 26, 2015
It's five stars but you have to love history to give it that.
July 6, 2019
I knew of John Barry by name but not the person, so I found this book interesting and informative.
July 15, 2020
Thanks for Saving our History!
Book made me think I was with
Captain Barry
Book made me think I was with
Captain Barry
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews