Sailing on Friday: The Perilous Voyage of America's Merchant Marine

SAILING ON FRIDAY recounts the colorful history of the U.S. merchant fleet in times of war and peace, from 1776 to the present. Twice in U.S. history, the American maritime fleet grew to become one of the most powerful in the world, only to decline thereafter. This is a tale of operatic dimension, people with patriots, politicians, industrial geniuses, fearless seamen, and gallant swashbucklers. Author John A. Butler includes accounts of little-noted innovations that had long-lasting effects, daring ocean rescues, sea battles, and financial gambles that won or lost fortunes. Growing stress among diverse forces of merchants, shipowners, seafarers, and federal agencies brings this exciting story to an appalling climax.