Liberty on the Waterfront

This book explores American maritime culture during the Age of Revolution, vividly detailing life aboard warships, merchantmen, and whalers, and the interactions between sailors and those on shore. It highlights the significant role mariners played in the resistance against Great Britain and their unique understanding of liberty. The story continues through post-revolutionary conflicts, showing how the American Jack Tar became a powerful national symbol. Finally, it examines how the ideals of the era were expressed by maritime workers in literature, including works by Melville and Cooper.