I loved this book at the end. At the first of it, I was becoming tired of the author claiming Semmes was a 'rasict'. ( give me a break, during the 1800's 99% of all white people were, even Lincoln)The author, Warren Spencer quite obviously admires Semmes, and does a great historical job.
This is a short version of Semmes own book, which is a little over 800 pages.
Semmes was a very intelligent person, and an astute lawyer. His prowess upon the seas, still holds records to this day.
The Germans were ordered to study the tactics of Raphael Semmes with their U-boats.
I deduct one star from what could be a 5 star book, due to the aforementioned 'racist' nonsense. And secondly, the rareity of footnotes and primary sources.
The author uses quotation markes, where he quotes Semmes; BUT, there should be a footnote, with the primary source, preferably on the bottom of the page. There are some of us Civil War buffs, that stive for accuracy, and demands primary sources. I know Mr. Spencer used them; but footnotes, previously mentioned would have been as asset.
I wish to quote two very good lines from this book--
--"Our Southern movement, in the eyes of Spain, was a mere political revolution, and like all absolute governments, she had no sympathy with revolutionists. It was on this principle that the Czar of Russia has fraternized so warmly with the Federal President." [from Semmes journal]
[ authors note-'this is an insight into the diplomacy of the Civil War that has to date escaped the notice of authorities on the subject.]....If you're a Civil War buff, ( or a sailor) you should have a book, on Raphael Semmes, this book would be a good choice.
