USS Constellation:
From Frigate to Sloop of War
by Geoffrey M. Footner

Footner's new book is an investigative study of archival documents covering the 204 year history of the USS Constellation, launched at Fells Point in 1797 and redesigned and repaired several times including her rebuilds of 1812, 1829, 1839 and 1853. This study, also, traces her exciting operational cruises and engagements during America's early wars including her service before and after the Civil War. However, the principal focus of the book is Constellation's rebuild of 1853, during which the ship was redesigned, razeed and modernized which resulted in her reduction in rate from frigate to sloop of war.

"This is a thoroughly researched and well written history of the frigate Constellation. Footner presents a convincing case that Constellation, sitting in Baltimore harbor today, can trace its provenance to the 1797 frigate and is the oldest surviving ship of the U.S. Navy."
William M. McBride, Professor of Naval History and Naval Architecture, U. S. Naval Academy.

"[Footner's book] is gracefully written, comprehensive in its scope, and argues its case with great conviction and masterful use of evidence. [He] has convinced me beyond question that, yes, the ship in Baltimore is the same one launched there in 1797."
James Terius de Kay, naval historian.

392 Pages; 25 Illustrations
16 Line Drawings, Map, Notes, Bibliography, Index
Hardcover, 7 X 10 Inches
Available November, 2002
Mailed Price: $45.00; including shipping (USA) and handling.
Books will be individually autographed on request