While many books have been written on the naval history of the
Revolution, this is one of the first to treat it in its entirety as an
Atlantic-wide conflict. While its geographical scope is vast, it
features overlooked aspects of the war in which sloops and barges
fought, actions which proved to be as decisive as the familiar ship of
the line confrontations. It is also history from the bottom up,
emphasizing the role of the crew as much the not always heroic officers.
From naval perspective the rebellious colonies did not gain a military
victory, though Benjamin Franklin was able to secure their independence
at the peace table in Europe. The final chapter on the Royal Navy's
evacuation of white and black loyalists, will be examined in more detail
in the author's forthcoming Pen & Sword book.