John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography Book

For anyone looking for a thorough, detailed and unvarnished biography of the man known today as the father of the U.S. Navy this must be the quintessential volume. Born in poverty to a Scottish estate gardener in 1747 and christened John Paul, he later added Jones as a surname to facilitate his legal entry into America after an unfortunate adventure in the Caribbean. An avid patriot and supporter of the American revolution he became a mythical figure as a naval strategist. He was hated by the British for his arrogant raids on British soil and his embarrassing defeat of the much larger and better armed HMS Seripas at the battle of Flamborough Head, near the English coast. A proud and egotistical man he made as many enemies in Congress as patrons and therefore seldom achieved the recognition or appreciation that he felt he was due. Congress never granted him flag rank in the continental navy and as the war drew to a close he sought what he thought would be appropriate respect from France and then ultimately was made a rear admiral in an ill fated exploit with the Russian navy under Catherine the Great. He referred to himself as a "citizen of the world" and his reputation in the court of Louis XVI as a lover and courageous naval hero only angered his enemies more. Although famous for his quote: "I have not yet begun to fight" his battle ended in France at age forty five; deserted by his friends, forgotten by his country and basically penniless, John Paul died alone and broken. A sad end for an American hero but a fascinating story.