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Jefferson’s War

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What to expect

Two centuries ago, without congressional or public debate, Thomas Jefferson, a president who is thought of today as peaceable, launched America’s first war on foreign soil—a war against terror. The enemy was Muslim; the war was waged unconventionally, with commandos, native troops, and encrypted intelligence, and launched from foreign bases.

For nearly two hundred years, the Barbary pirates had haunted the Mediterranean, enslaving tens of thousands of Europeans and extorting millions of dollars from their countries in a mercenary holy war against Christendom. Sailing in sleek corsairs built for speed and plunder, the Barbary pirates attacked European and American merchant shipping with impunity, triumphing as much by terror as force of arms.

The author traces the events leading to Jefferson’s belief that peace with the Barbary States and respect from Europe could be achieved only through the “medium of war.”

Critics Review

“Jefferson’s War is a fascinating and readable story of how America fought and won its first war on terror—two centuries ago.”

Newsweek

“Lively recounting of the crusade, 200 years ago, that brought the marines to the shores of Tripoli...The stuff of good historical fiction—and a treat for military buffs.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A clear, suspenseful account of a complex topic.”

Library Journal
Author Joseph Wheelan
Narrator John Lescault
Duration 12 hours and 10 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781483056111
Format Audiobook
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Genre History of the Americas, Military history
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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