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John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy
Traces the naval hero's modest Scottish origins, the circumstances that brought him to America under a charge of murder and a false name, his sea battle achievements, and his acclaim by such figures as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin.
644 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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About the author
Evan Thomas
71 books375 followersEvan Thomas is the author of nine books: The Wise Men (with Walter Isaacson), The Man to See, The Very Best Men, Robert Kennedy, John Paul Jones, Sea of Thunder, The War Lovers, Ike’s Bluff, and Being Nixon. Thomas was a writer, correspondent, and editor for thirty-three years at Time and Newsweek, including ten years (1986–96) as Washington bureau chief at Newsweek, where, at the time of his retirement in 2010, he was editor at large. He wrote more than one hundred cover stories and in 1999 won a National Magazine Award. He wrote Newsweek’s fifty-thousand-word election specials in 1996, 2000, 2004 (winner of a National Magazine Award), and 2008. He has appeared on many TV and radio talk shows, including Meet the Press and The Colbert Report, and has been a guest on PBS’s Charlie Rose more than forty times. The author of dozens of book reviews for The New York Times and The Washington Post, Thomas has taught writing and journalism at Harvard and Princeton, where, from 2007 to 2014, he was Ferris Professor of Journalism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 18, 2014
Poor ol' John. If only the US Navy at the time of Jones' life was the size of the man's ambition and ego, it would've been unstoppable!
If he'd lived just a few years longer, he would've been the ideal sea captain to head up Thomas Jefferson's hesitant-yet-ambitious expansion of the U.S. navy. But we do what we can with the time we're allotted and Jones did just about everything he could.
JOHN PAUL JONES: Journeyman Seaman
What an easy biography to write! The man's life reads like a legend. C.S. Forester couldn't have improved on it! Though the details are often more colorful and entertaining, here are some of the high-and low-lights of his tumultuous career:
* Rose to first mate on British slave ships, then threw away his enviable position out of disgust for the human trafficking trade.
* Saved an un-captained vessel from destruction after it was struck with the Yellow Jack fever.
* At a time when harsh punishment was not uncommon, was imprisoned and had his reputation forever damaged when a flogged man died on one of his cruises.
* Slew a mutineer with a sword over wages and fled to America, adding the name Jones to avoid persecution and leaving behind his fortune to join the American Colonies in their fight against England.
* Took the fight to the British Isles during the American Revolution, terrorizing the people who considered him a pirate, and in a valiant battle with the British navy coined the popular phrase, "I have not yet begun to fight!"
Jones was sometimes gallant and sometimes petty, but always daring, and boy did he like to let people know about it! But those were the times and tooting one's own horn was what one had to do to get ahead, so it's hard to fault the man for that.
What he can be faulted for is his pride. He often felt unduly slighted and he complained about it loudly to the people who he thought were slighting him. Unfortunately, those people were his bosses. When you bitch at your boss you're not likely to get promoted, and Jones did not. Promised appointment after appointment "fell through" for Jones, often leaving him high and dry. Yet his valor was undeniable and, against all odds, he did rise in rank over his short life.
He may have been rash, but you must give the ex-pat Scotsman credit for putting his neck on the line at a time when his own adopted country wasn't so willing to stretch their own out on his behalf.
Thomas' bio does an admirable job of painting Jones' larger than life personality. Prior to reading this the name John Paul Jones to me was associated with the bass player from Led Zeppelin.
The Other John Paul Jones:
(This Jones also dressed in frilly shirts and gave "No Quarter"(sorry), so you can see how the two might be confused!)
But now that quiet, retiring musician has been elbowed to the back of a two-man line. Thomas' almost swashbuckling-level adventure of a biography puts the sailor John Paul Jones right at the forefront!
If he'd lived just a few years longer, he would've been the ideal sea captain to head up Thomas Jefferson's hesitant-yet-ambitious expansion of the U.S. navy. But we do what we can with the time we're allotted and Jones did just about everything he could.
JOHN PAUL JONES: Journeyman Seaman
What an easy biography to write! The man's life reads like a legend. C.S. Forester couldn't have improved on it! Though the details are often more colorful and entertaining, here are some of the high-and low-lights of his tumultuous career:
* Rose to first mate on British slave ships, then threw away his enviable position out of disgust for the human trafficking trade.
* Saved an un-captained vessel from destruction after it was struck with the Yellow Jack fever.
* At a time when harsh punishment was not uncommon, was imprisoned and had his reputation forever damaged when a flogged man died on one of his cruises.
* Slew a mutineer with a sword over wages and fled to America, adding the name Jones to avoid persecution and leaving behind his fortune to join the American Colonies in their fight against England.
* Took the fight to the British Isles during the American Revolution, terrorizing the people who considered him a pirate, and in a valiant battle with the British navy coined the popular phrase, "I have not yet begun to fight!"
Jones was sometimes gallant and sometimes petty, but always daring, and boy did he like to let people know about it! But those were the times and tooting one's own horn was what one had to do to get ahead, so it's hard to fault the man for that.
What he can be faulted for is his pride. He often felt unduly slighted and he complained about it loudly to the people who he thought were slighting him. Unfortunately, those people were his bosses. When you bitch at your boss you're not likely to get promoted, and Jones did not. Promised appointment after appointment "fell through" for Jones, often leaving him high and dry. Yet his valor was undeniable and, against all odds, he did rise in rank over his short life.
He may have been rash, but you must give the ex-pat Scotsman credit for putting his neck on the line at a time when his own adopted country wasn't so willing to stretch their own out on his behalf.
Thomas' bio does an admirable job of painting Jones' larger than life personality. Prior to reading this the name John Paul Jones to me was associated with the bass player from Led Zeppelin.
The Other John Paul Jones:
(This Jones also dressed in frilly shirts and gave "No Quarter"(sorry), so you can see how the two might be confused!)
But now that quiet, retiring musician has been elbowed to the back of a two-man line. Thomas' almost swashbuckling-level adventure of a biography puts the sailor John Paul Jones right at the forefront!
August 18, 2021
John Paul Jones, a small man who had an outsized ego, persecution complex when he didn’t get (well-deserved) promotions/command opportunities and, yet, a fierce, uncompromising, stoic battle leader. Unworthy men with political connections were given command of bigger, faster, newer warships but sat in port and did not engage the British Navy. Jones went aggressively after engagements with “crank” old ships. He fought disciplined men who had “a tradition of victory” with amateur crews who had so little training, often the first time they fired their cannon was in battle. This 4 Star book gives a good description of fighting in the age of sail. It also delivers a constant drumbeat of how petty, whiny and cranky Jones could be outside of ship command. John Paul Jones was a true hero of the Revolution but was long forgotten until Teddy Roosevelt needed a hero and brought his remains back home:
The homecoming had been long delayed. Jones had died, lonely and feeling forgotten, in Paris in 1792. His casket had been interred for over a century in a graveyard so obscure that it had been paved over. It had taken the United States ambassador to France, General Horace Porter, several months just to find Jones’s remains, buried beneath a laundry on the outskirts of the city.
Fighting in the Age of Sail is a bloody affair at sea. The infant US Navy prepares for one of its first engagements with the most powerful Navy in the world:
Compared to his prospective opponent, a proto-typical British captain, JPJ simply doesn’t stand a chance when the Bonhomme Richard meets the Serapis – at least on paper:
Jones doesn’t flinch…he prepares for his iconic battle:
Evans description of battle is outstanding writing, very well done. The two ships are at point-blank range when the battle begins. Jones’ comment on the battle is typical of the age:
The sad end of JPJ’s career finds him searching for a ship to command. He winds up in Russia, fighting for Catherine the Great against the Ottoman Turks in the Black Sea. He is still the unsophisticated sailor, not realizing the back-stabbing going on as others take credit for his tactical ideas and fighting successes. He was way out of his depth in Russia. He returns to France and passes away in Paris at the early phase of the French Revolution.
The homecoming had been long delayed. Jones had died, lonely and feeling forgotten, in Paris in 1792. His casket had been interred for over a century in a graveyard so obscure that it had been paved over. It had taken the United States ambassador to France, General Horace Porter, several months just to find Jones’s remains, buried beneath a laundry on the outskirts of the city.
Fighting in the Age of Sail is a bloody affair at sea. The infant US Navy prepares for one of its first engagements with the most powerful Navy in the world:
Compared to his prospective opponent, a proto-typical British captain, JPJ simply doesn’t stand a chance when the Bonhomme Richard meets the Serapis – at least on paper:
Jones doesn’t flinch…he prepares for his iconic battle:
Evans description of battle is outstanding writing, very well done. The two ships are at point-blank range when the battle begins. Jones’ comment on the battle is typical of the age:
The sad end of JPJ’s career finds him searching for a ship to command. He winds up in Russia, fighting for Catherine the Great against the Ottoman Turks in the Black Sea. He is still the unsophisticated sailor, not realizing the back-stabbing going on as others take credit for his tactical ideas and fighting successes. He was way out of his depth in Russia. He returns to France and passes away in Paris at the early phase of the French Revolution.
August 24, 2019
A solid, readable and well-written biography.
The narrative is crisp, balanced and entertaining, and Thomas covers Jones’ life from his birth in Scotland to his move to Virginia, his time as a merchant seaman, his joining of the revolutionaries, his ties to Franklin and Adams, and his naval campaigns against the British in European waters. He then looks at how bored Jones was with peacetime, his alienation of people afterwards, his service in the Russian navy, and his lonely death in Paris.
The most interesting part of the book deals with Jones’ cruises around the British Isles. These had no real impact on the outcome of the war, but Thomas ably shows the psychological impact they had on both sides of the Atlantic. Thomas also looks at how ambitious, far-seeing, and heroic Jones could be as well as how vainglorious, naive, depressive and difficult. He does a great job covering Jones’ visionary character and his clashes with fellow officers, with the bureaucracy and with the status quo, and how difficult it was for Jones to bring his vision across.
There aren’t too many problems. At one point George Patton’s revolvers are called as having pearl grips, even though they were ivory. In all, an insightful, engaging and well-researched work.
The narrative is crisp, balanced and entertaining, and Thomas covers Jones’ life from his birth in Scotland to his move to Virginia, his time as a merchant seaman, his joining of the revolutionaries, his ties to Franklin and Adams, and his naval campaigns against the British in European waters. He then looks at how bored Jones was with peacetime, his alienation of people afterwards, his service in the Russian navy, and his lonely death in Paris.
The most interesting part of the book deals with Jones’ cruises around the British Isles. These had no real impact on the outcome of the war, but Thomas ably shows the psychological impact they had on both sides of the Atlantic. Thomas also looks at how ambitious, far-seeing, and heroic Jones could be as well as how vainglorious, naive, depressive and difficult. He does a great job covering Jones’ visionary character and his clashes with fellow officers, with the bureaucracy and with the status quo, and how difficult it was for Jones to bring his vision across.
There aren’t too many problems. At one point George Patton’s revolvers are called as having pearl grips, even though they were ivory. In all, an insightful, engaging and well-researched work.
March 29, 2023
Undervalued in life and probably over mythologized in the present day, John Paul Jones was nonetheless a remarkable person and one of the great heroes of the American Revolution. Calling him a Benedict Arnold of the seas (sans treason) would not be an unworthy comparison: A ferocious warrior who fought more for glory and honor than for any principled ideas, JPJ constantly bemoaned, rightly or wrongly, any perceived slights to his accomplishments, bravery, or honor. He some admirers and friends but many more enemies. His thirst for glory led Jones to be a great, unshakeable leader during battle but he was not so much a sailor's best friend in the interim; this is in part due to JPJ's constant search for more prizes and the composition of most his crews—there was no "navy," just a ragtag amalgam of privateers, pirates, and merchant sailors. Apart from his impactful victories and accomplishments at sea, JPJ legacy is his consistent insistence to the new Congress on the need for a paid, professional, disciplined navy.
This biography is not a day-to-day or week-to-week tome of JPJ's life, it is a fairly quick jaunt highlighting mainly (obviously) his time and accomplishments during the American Revolution. The author doesn't neglect the other areas of JPJ's life though, and they also hold him accountable for his various flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings. The book is well written and the prose flows well. For a beginner's guide to the life of John Paul Jones and a small introduction to early U.S. naval warfare, I think this is a good selection.
This biography is not a day-to-day or week-to-week tome of JPJ's life, it is a fairly quick jaunt highlighting mainly (obviously) his time and accomplishments during the American Revolution. The author doesn't neglect the other areas of JPJ's life though, and they also hold him accountable for his various flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings. The book is well written and the prose flows well. For a beginner's guide to the life of John Paul Jones and a small introduction to early U.S. naval warfare, I think this is a good selection.
May 29, 2022
This was a well-written, enjoyable biography. I learned so much about John Paul Jones, and appreciated the effort the author took to separate fact from fiction.
December 14, 2023
A superior biography - well written, well documented and laced with insight into Jones’ personal strengths and weaknesses. I didn’t know much about Jones, and found that much of what I thought I knew was not correct.
September 25, 2012
All in all, a fact filled biography with details that are almost stunning when one thinks that 220 years have passed since Jones died. Details of ship maneuvers and Jones' sense for ship control and clear thinking during a fight are outstanding. Information regarding Jones' relationships with other "stars" in our Revolution was very interesting as was the story of Jone's as a Russian admiral - with some details that I had not heard before.
Unfortunately, I found this a rather depressing book. Evan Thomas writing style I think, has much to do with it. Facts being what they are, Thomas reports those facts somewhat in a vacuum. After reading the book, I can't understand why we think of Jones as the founder of our American Navy. Based on this book, Jones spent more time hoping for a ship rather than actually commanding one. In addition, Thomas seems to be saying that in addition to chasing women rather than taking care of his crews and being somewhat of a fop or "dandy" (in the period lingo), Jones spent most of his time boorishly self-promoting to the point that he was ignored by the major players in our government as it existed at the time.
I think however that the picture painted by Thomas is not necessarily correct. Self-promotion in the military during the time of Jones was a given. Based on other accounts of military men of the times that I have read, I feel that Jones was no more or no less guilty than others that were both more and less talented than he. The leaders of our Revolution and young government were battered with requests for commissions and special attention with favors being sought through bribery, threats and innuendo to the point that it would seem logical that all those in power, even those accepting bribes, had become tired of the process and in so doing may have overlooked authentic talent. As far as womanizing and pomposity, there was no shortage of either in any military organization of that time.
In addition, while Thomas correctly pays much attention to Jones' major battles, he glosses over some details of the general campaigns with statements like "he took several prizes" and "several other prizes" required men to crew them. While this may be necessary in the interest of space, one loses the continuity of the time, risk and actions required to take those "several prizes". Not to mention lost lives. As a result, with the endless details of his posturing and land locked "conquests", it almost seems as if Jones simply "dabbled" as an active captain.
Lastly, it occurred to me that the last chapter was Thomas' effort to somehow apologize for having somehow written a novel that highlighted Jones' lack of overall success or Jones' poor choices in his life. In this chapter, Thomas sounds as if he is disappointed that Jones comes across as a bit of a bumpkin in his novel and is now justifying why Jones is buried in his magnificent crypt and is considered to be the Father of the American Navy.
In an effort to get another view of Jones, I am researching other biographies of the man. Currently, I am on to a biography of John Barry who, like Jones, is considered to be one of the founders of our Navy.
Unfortunately, I found this a rather depressing book. Evan Thomas writing style I think, has much to do with it. Facts being what they are, Thomas reports those facts somewhat in a vacuum. After reading the book, I can't understand why we think of Jones as the founder of our American Navy. Based on this book, Jones spent more time hoping for a ship rather than actually commanding one. In addition, Thomas seems to be saying that in addition to chasing women rather than taking care of his crews and being somewhat of a fop or "dandy" (in the period lingo), Jones spent most of his time boorishly self-promoting to the point that he was ignored by the major players in our government as it existed at the time.
I think however that the picture painted by Thomas is not necessarily correct. Self-promotion in the military during the time of Jones was a given. Based on other accounts of military men of the times that I have read, I feel that Jones was no more or no less guilty than others that were both more and less talented than he. The leaders of our Revolution and young government were battered with requests for commissions and special attention with favors being sought through bribery, threats and innuendo to the point that it would seem logical that all those in power, even those accepting bribes, had become tired of the process and in so doing may have overlooked authentic talent. As far as womanizing and pomposity, there was no shortage of either in any military organization of that time.
In addition, while Thomas correctly pays much attention to Jones' major battles, he glosses over some details of the general campaigns with statements like "he took several prizes" and "several other prizes" required men to crew them. While this may be necessary in the interest of space, one loses the continuity of the time, risk and actions required to take those "several prizes". Not to mention lost lives. As a result, with the endless details of his posturing and land locked "conquests", it almost seems as if Jones simply "dabbled" as an active captain.
Lastly, it occurred to me that the last chapter was Thomas' effort to somehow apologize for having somehow written a novel that highlighted Jones' lack of overall success or Jones' poor choices in his life. In this chapter, Thomas sounds as if he is disappointed that Jones comes across as a bit of a bumpkin in his novel and is now justifying why Jones is buried in his magnificent crypt and is considered to be the Father of the American Navy.
In an effort to get another view of Jones, I am researching other biographies of the man. Currently, I am on to a biography of John Barry who, like Jones, is considered to be one of the founders of our Navy.
July 6, 2014
This is an interesting biography of a naval war hero during the American War of Independence. Being in the military I have heard his name thrown around but know next to nothing about him. I imagine I’m not the only one. So I thought I give this book a read and since I didn’t know what to expect from his rather interesting life there were moments in the book I was left in suspense since I didn’t know what the outcome would be! One doesn’t get such thrills often with historical biography. John Paul Jones is indeed an interesting figure and I’m struck by some of the parallel between him and another contemporary (in) famous military figure: Benedict Arnold. Like Arnold, John Paul Jones was militarily ambitious and climbs the ranks from the bottom not through nobility but by proven service. Both men’s daringness brought them military victories and both were driven by fame—and set them up for disappointments when Congress or other officials didn’t appreciate their deeds. Both men also led American forces against the British outside the boundaries of the colonies—and in the case of Jones, he struck fear off the coast of the United Kingdom. Whereas Arnold later betrayed his country, Jones stayed the course with the Continental Navy. The most interesting chapter in Jones’ life was when he later joined the Russian Navy. It was interesting to read of an American Naval war hero in the court of Catherine II. Eventually the jealousy, language barrier and the difference of naval warfare led to disagreement and conflict between Jones and those in the Russian Navy. Jones left Russia a bitter man. Personally, after reading the book there were lessons for life that I took away from reading this book that capture the human condition (which is the same then as now): First, ambition for success don’t always succeed. Second, even if there is success, it might not turn out to be the way one planned it. Thirdly, the end of John Paul Jones’ life made me realized how fleeting it is to pursue human glory and praises of others—because one can’t control what others think of us, or even acknowledging one’s success. John Paul Jones would have been a forgotten American hero in later generation if it wasn’t for Teddy Roosevelt who many decades later was searching for a Naval War hero to develop a Naval tradition to pitch his strategic vision of a large Navy to the American people. Overall this is a great book in capturing the good, the bad and the ugly but ultimately the very human side of a famous naval hero.
August 3, 2015
Evan Thomas's John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy is good biography. Thomas covers the life of John Paul Jones from his birth in Scotland to his actions in the US and Russian Navies to his death in France. Jones is shown to be a very flawed individual who often let his own ambition and moodiness get the better of him. Yet, Thomas also paints a picture of a deeply dedicated, patriot whose actions would help change the history of the US Navy.
This is a very enjoyable book. This is by no means a hagiography of John Paul Jones or an indictment. It simply shows the man as what he was with all of his flaws, mistakes, but his accomplishments shine through. Thomas's work reads like a novel, rather than a boring history tome. It reminded me a bit of David McCullough's 1776 or John Adams (both of which I would highly recommend if you enjoyed this title). This is a great place to begin for someone who is interested in the history of the US Navy.
This is a very enjoyable book. This is by no means a hagiography of John Paul Jones or an indictment. It simply shows the man as what he was with all of his flaws, mistakes, but his accomplishments shine through. Thomas's work reads like a novel, rather than a boring history tome. It reminded me a bit of David McCullough's 1776 or John Adams (both of which I would highly recommend if you enjoyed this title). This is a great place to begin for someone who is interested in the history of the US Navy.
February 25, 2010
Not the best writing i ever read...
evan thomas writes like he doesnt really like Jones. kind of a negative slant to the whole thing. I think he was trying to make ones out to be a tragic hero... Blind ambition and irrascibility get in the way of Jones meeting his full potential....
I think it's more likely that the nascent U.S. government was not able to create a professional navy and was fairly uninterested in naval power which ld to Jones' inability to dramatically effect any naval events, let alone effect the war.
that said, it's a life that i'll not stop thinking about for some while... he really reminds me a lot of patton or even of nelson. i wonder what would have hppended in his carreer if he had become a british naval officer as wanted to be as a young man.
evan thomas writes like he doesnt really like Jones. kind of a negative slant to the whole thing. I think he was trying to make ones out to be a tragic hero... Blind ambition and irrascibility get in the way of Jones meeting his full potential....
I think it's more likely that the nascent U.S. government was not able to create a professional navy and was fairly uninterested in naval power which ld to Jones' inability to dramatically effect any naval events, let alone effect the war.
that said, it's a life that i'll not stop thinking about for some while... he really reminds me a lot of patton or even of nelson. i wonder what would have hppended in his carreer if he had become a british naval officer as wanted to be as a young man.
November 30, 2009
I found Mr. Thomas' biography of John Paul Jones entertaining and informative. I particularly appreciated the honesty.
Paul Jones was dredged out of history and vaulted onto the slopes of mount olympus by the US government. The navy needed a hero. Paul Jones, his life most dynamic and farsighted of histories US naval commanders, obliged. Only many decades of death stood between his utmost living desires, Fame and Glory, and the realization.
As a student of men and particularly men at sea and their commanders I find it invaluable to study those who have stood, quarterdeck pitching under their feet, in the line of fire, on the wild seas.
Paul Jones was dredged out of history and vaulted onto the slopes of mount olympus by the US government. The navy needed a hero. Paul Jones, his life most dynamic and farsighted of histories US naval commanders, obliged. Only many decades of death stood between his utmost living desires, Fame and Glory, and the realization.
As a student of men and particularly men at sea and their commanders I find it invaluable to study those who have stood, quarterdeck pitching under their feet, in the line of fire, on the wild seas.
September 13, 2015
This book is well written. I appreciate the forward thinking of John Paul Jones who was really a pioneer espousing tactics that our Navy uses today. With a heart very much akin to the founding fathers, he had some true high ideals that nurtured our seedling nation. It's too bad that he did not achieve the renown that he hoped for or deserved until nearly a hundred years later. The author did not sugar-coat the story of this remarkable man. He had a terrible vanity, but the final verdict is that he was an accurate and beyond capable military leader with a startling composure in battle. Worth the read, but be prepared to be frustrated by his vanity.
July 19, 2016
I didn't know much about John Paul Jones before I read this, and apparently all of that was fiction. So, I learned about him. The naval battle between the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis was very well written and as fascinating a naval battle as I have ever read. I also like how Jones would tweak the British by sneaking into England and taking silver tea sets. Or how he was able to freely travel through England because the propaganda wanted posters made him look like a crazed bearded pirate and not the gentleman he appeared to be in real life. But in the end, America gave him the shaft like it does with many of its heroes. RIP John Paul Jones.
October 15, 2016
This was a good ... not great ... biography of John Paul Jones. I knew little about his life only his legend. The book provided that nicely. But I did not feel that I got a knowledge of what drove him. He was a very complex man with several flaws but also many strong characteristics. The best learning that I got from the book was the authors conclusion that Jones was generally vilified during his life and his accomplishments generally exaggerated after his death. Apparently, most of the quotes attributed to him were provided by earlier biographers.
In spite of this, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
In spite of this, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
July 29, 2008
If you like naval history this book is great, also tells the story of the revolutionary war from a different perspective and shines a light on the life of a very interesting man, who, for all his flaws and foibles was always amazing when it mattered most, battling the enemy or the high seas.
November 12, 2012
I enjoyed very much reading about my hero's life. Filled with romance and thrilling battles this a must read for anybody interested in American history.
July 17, 2017
Good book. Focused heavily on his character deficiencies. Interesting to see the interactions with other key historical figures. Lots of possible lessons learned from his life.
May 5, 2025
“There was but one cure for Jones’s insomnia. He needed someone to find him a ship. Chaimont, the Americans’ chief provider, finally began to stir and look for a vessel that would take Jones out of his misery. Would a sloop do? Jones had not lost his pride. He wrote back, in words that have echoed down the centuries, that he wished to ‘have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.’” -page 150.
I had always heard about the infamous founder of the US Navy by the name of John Paul Jones. I seized this copy of Evan Thomas’s biopic immediately upon seeing it on the shelf in the Naval history section at Wonder Book and video(the best book store there ever was.) I did some research and discovered that this is one of the most popular and distinguished accounts of this most ambitious admiral and am glad to have it in possession.
Thomas’s presentation of the naval battles that Jones partook in and spearheaded were nothing short of riveting and had me turning pages ferociously. One can learn quite a lot about sailing, naval warfare, ship terminology, history, leadership, and politics as Thomas weaves all these fibers together into this gripping story. All that to say, that this author did not pull any punches when it came to examining the character profile of our naval hero. The author weighs the incredible feats against the crippling vices and leaves the audience to determine their own assessment of John Paul Jones and scavenge through his life to pick which traits are the most teachable for future generations.
On the other hand, I believe the author was actually a bit too harsh in his critique of the acclaimed captain. At times the author would constantly denounce Jones for groveling in letters to dignitaries, galavanting with married women, and becoming prey to his own vanity and pride which constantly befell him and prevented him from assailing the heights his heart longed for. Although I agree much with the author’s repudiation of Jones’s conduct, some of this judgement seems unnecessary and misplaced due to the countless undeniable instances of betrayal, backstabbing, and negligence that Jones suffered from individuals and circumstances out of his control.
I loved this book and am spurred to read more about this complicated naval figure of grandeur in the future. Anyone who wants a better understanding of the naval and maritime angle of the Revolutionary War will also be delighted at reading this biography.
I had always heard about the infamous founder of the US Navy by the name of John Paul Jones. I seized this copy of Evan Thomas’s biopic immediately upon seeing it on the shelf in the Naval history section at Wonder Book and video(the best book store there ever was.) I did some research and discovered that this is one of the most popular and distinguished accounts of this most ambitious admiral and am glad to have it in possession.
Thomas’s presentation of the naval battles that Jones partook in and spearheaded were nothing short of riveting and had me turning pages ferociously. One can learn quite a lot about sailing, naval warfare, ship terminology, history, leadership, and politics as Thomas weaves all these fibers together into this gripping story. All that to say, that this author did not pull any punches when it came to examining the character profile of our naval hero. The author weighs the incredible feats against the crippling vices and leaves the audience to determine their own assessment of John Paul Jones and scavenge through his life to pick which traits are the most teachable for future generations.
On the other hand, I believe the author was actually a bit too harsh in his critique of the acclaimed captain. At times the author would constantly denounce Jones for groveling in letters to dignitaries, galavanting with married women, and becoming prey to his own vanity and pride which constantly befell him and prevented him from assailing the heights his heart longed for. Although I agree much with the author’s repudiation of Jones’s conduct, some of this judgement seems unnecessary and misplaced due to the countless undeniable instances of betrayal, backstabbing, and negligence that Jones suffered from individuals and circumstances out of his control.
I loved this book and am spurred to read more about this complicated naval figure of grandeur in the future. Anyone who wants a better understanding of the naval and maritime angle of the Revolutionary War will also be delighted at reading this biography.
November 5, 2025
In school, I learned that he proclaimed, "I have not yet begun to fight!" when being called upon to surrender his ship, the Bonhomme Richard, to the British man-of-war Serapis, during the American Revolution.
In this book, I learned that he never actually said that (shades of Marie Antoinette not joking about "let them eat cake," either). Although he certainly displayed a similar attitude, if not those exact words. And he won in the end, accepting the surrender of the Serapis.
"Father" of the US Navy, he was never actually an admiral, nor did he command a fleet (though he desperately wanted to). Born John Paul, in Scotland, he added the "Jones" to his name later on. He was a very ambitious man, a brilliant strategist, and NOT very good at managing his crew. Any of his crews; mutiny was constantly threatened. Early on in his career as a sailor, he served for a few tours as crew on a slaving ship; later he became friends with former enslaved woman, Phyllis Wheatley, a very talented poet.
JPJ was flawed, creative, more than a little full of himself (much like Alexander Hamilton), and complicated. Interested in women, he never married (although he may have fathered an illegitimate child in France), went to work for Catherine the Great of Russia, and passed away in his early forties. I'm glad I learned more about him, but was not spellbound by the writing in this book.
In this book, I learned that he never actually said that (shades of Marie Antoinette not joking about "let them eat cake," either). Although he certainly displayed a similar attitude, if not those exact words. And he won in the end, accepting the surrender of the Serapis.
"Father" of the US Navy, he was never actually an admiral, nor did he command a fleet (though he desperately wanted to). Born John Paul, in Scotland, he added the "Jones" to his name later on. He was a very ambitious man, a brilliant strategist, and NOT very good at managing his crew. Any of his crews; mutiny was constantly threatened. Early on in his career as a sailor, he served for a few tours as crew on a slaving ship; later he became friends with former enslaved woman, Phyllis Wheatley, a very talented poet.
JPJ was flawed, creative, more than a little full of himself (much like Alexander Hamilton), and complicated. Interested in women, he never married (although he may have fathered an illegitimate child in France), went to work for Catherine the Great of Russia, and passed away in his early forties. I'm glad I learned more about him, but was not spellbound by the writing in this book.
May 17, 2018
I like to read one very good book about each of the founding fathers or change makers in American history. Most of the time though, I am looking for the best or a book that will thoroughly probe into that persons past and reveal to me who they really are. I have a long reading queue, so I want to get it right the first time, without stumbling around trying to find yet another “right book” on that historical figure who still eludes me.
I have never read a book solely on John Paul Jones, So I thought that I would give Evan Thomas a try here.
Evan Thomas, with his deep experience in journalism, especially at Newsweek, certainly can do some serious research, and he is quite a writer to. We can be grateful that so many of John Paul Jones papers and letters still survive to this day.
He tracks Jones through his youth and his near pirate days into the founding of the US Navy.
Of course we read of Jones raid of Whitehaven and his victory against the 50-gun British frigate HMS Serapis. Thankfully the author doesn’t start throttling down there and wrapping things up. No Thomas goes through the remaining sometimes lean years of Jones career, including his exploits with the French and Russian navies.
The next time that I visit Annapolis, I will have a better understanding of the depth of this sea captain’s contribution.
I have never read a book solely on John Paul Jones, So I thought that I would give Evan Thomas a try here.
Evan Thomas, with his deep experience in journalism, especially at Newsweek, certainly can do some serious research, and he is quite a writer to. We can be grateful that so many of John Paul Jones papers and letters still survive to this day.
He tracks Jones through his youth and his near pirate days into the founding of the US Navy.
Of course we read of Jones raid of Whitehaven and his victory against the 50-gun British frigate HMS Serapis. Thankfully the author doesn’t start throttling down there and wrapping things up. No Thomas goes through the remaining sometimes lean years of Jones career, including his exploits with the French and Russian navies.
The next time that I visit Annapolis, I will have a better understanding of the depth of this sea captain’s contribution.
June 27, 2022
Why don’t we do a better job of highlighting the contributions of John Paul Jones as a member of the founding generation? Like Henry Knox or Nathaniel Greene, he was instrumental in the establishment of one of the branches of our armed forces. Like Hamilton, he was an immigrant who took up the cause. He was a protege of Benjamin Franklin. He was anti-slavery and even had a courtly relationship with poet and freed slave Phyllis Wheatley. He was unfairly passed over by the often infuriatingly inept Continental Congress, but he didn’t turn traitor like Benedict Arnold. He was the prototypical 18th century rake in his romantic life. And, oh yeah - he TOOK THE FIGHT TO THE BRITISH - harassing the English coast, attempting to take towns hostage and tangling with the British Navy! This is a great overview of his life and exploits. Evan Thomas does an excellent job of reviewing his life and career, managing to avoid hagiography by employing just enough criticism of his subject. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2019
Notes are for myself, this is not a review. I’ve given this book 5 stars for the subject itself as well as the authors very lively writing and educated and reasonable vetting of legend and myth around it.
John Paul Jones is a legend not well known outside of history and naval buffs. Scratch just one layer deep into The Revolutionary War, American Naval history, or just great patriots in general and he will stick out through the prodigious amount of legend around the man.
What Thomson presents instead, especially shocking in the first few chapters for one with only this legend exposure to the man is a portrait of a very human subject.
From humble beginnings, Jones rise is a very American story that goes in twine with that of the New World. Thomson paints Jones close to what he was, drawing from the prodigious amount of personal correspondence by and about the man from himself and (some times not so) reliable contemporaries.
John Paul Jones is a legend not well known outside of history and naval buffs. Scratch just one layer deep into The Revolutionary War, American Naval history, or just great patriots in general and he will stick out through the prodigious amount of legend around the man.
What Thomson presents instead, especially shocking in the first few chapters for one with only this legend exposure to the man is a portrait of a very human subject.
From humble beginnings, Jones rise is a very American story that goes in twine with that of the New World. Thomson paints Jones close to what he was, drawing from the prodigious amount of personal correspondence by and about the man from himself and (some times not so) reliable contemporaries.
August 13, 2021
Easy read. Well organized. Older publication limited by then-available data. However, the author fleshes out the man from the hero. Had read Midshipman
Nathanial Fanning’s memoir, and this book draws many anecdotes from Fanning. (Fanning commanded the tars and marines in the main top during the historic clash between “Bonhomme Richard” and “HMS Serapis”. The successful clearing of the “Serapis” quarter and main decks played no small contribution to the Yankee (and sailors of other nationalities) victory that came at a time when the American colonies needed a military success, heroes and an event to distract the English (reassigning men and resources) from their land strategies. A reminder of another achiever who would never stop seeking fame and die in ignominy in Europe. Much later, his remains would be transplanted to a grand tomb on the campus of the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, and acclaimed the “Father of the U.S. Navy”.
Nathanial Fanning’s memoir, and this book draws many anecdotes from Fanning. (Fanning commanded the tars and marines in the main top during the historic clash between “Bonhomme Richard” and “HMS Serapis”. The successful clearing of the “Serapis” quarter and main decks played no small contribution to the Yankee (and sailors of other nationalities) victory that came at a time when the American colonies needed a military success, heroes and an event to distract the English (reassigning men and resources) from their land strategies. A reminder of another achiever who would never stop seeking fame and die in ignominy in Europe. Much later, his remains would be transplanted to a grand tomb on the campus of the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, and acclaimed the “Father of the U.S. Navy”.
May 12, 2022
I felt the book was well-paced and detailed enough to give a good idea of what it was like back in those days, and how John Paul Jones fit into that world. John was a very worldly person, and therefore, gave an indirect tour of much of the world during his lifetime via his travels and hunger for adventure. The person of John Paul is far from perfect. But I believe some virtues can be extracted from his character for the betterment of society such as bravery, persistence, and a drive to conquer one's birth status. The book itself was very helpful with illustrations or footnotes. The author did very well, showing a kind narrative that almost seemed nurturing in its explanations of history. Overall, it was a fun and interesting read, full of historical events worth considering when studying our American roots.
October 30, 2017
I've liked the myth of John Paul Jones since my childhood. From his "I have not yet begun to fight!" to his "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way.", and even his bringing the Ariel back to port after incurring a hurricane strong enough to remove all the masts of the ship...these things easily played on my imagination. This biography of Jones was good enough to keep almost all of those things in tact. Thomas does a good job introducing the actual human being that was Jones to his readers. In the end it was a little disappointing for me to see this human side of Jones. I think I prefer the myth. It's a good book and well worth the read if you are interested in US history.
December 29, 2020
The man, John Paul Jones, was not what I was expecting. I was hoping to read of a true American hero, but though he played an important role in the American Revolution, I just can’t look up to him as a hero. On one hand he was probably cheated from positions he deserved, and he had to navigate a lifetime of double-crosses, betrayals, and insubordination, but he certainly didn’t help matters with his pride and general inability to get along with people. On top of that it appears he lived a life of immorality when not at sea, including a downright despicable incident with an underage girl. By all accounts he was a spectacular naval captain who never got to accomplish as much as he could have. But in the end his personal and moral failing leaves him dying alone in frustration. It was a disappointing read for someone I had high hopes for...but a worthwhile read to be sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
This is a great biography of John Paul Jones. Jones is glorified in today’s US Navy. Having spent plenty of time on the USS NIMITZ, I wanted to learn more about Jones. Oh boy, does he have a story, and he is no saint. That is something I am sure most Sailors relate to with him. To learn that he may have not even said, “I have not yet begun to fight!”, his famous war cry, was eye opening that he is more legend than man these days.
If anyone is interested in Jones and the early American Navy, I would recommend this book, along with “Rebels at Sea” (Eric Dolin) and “Six Frigates” (Ian Toll). I would even recommend this to currently serving Sailors as they are filled with good information for boards for ESWS and other pins.
If anyone is interested in Jones and the early American Navy, I would recommend this book, along with “Rebels at Sea” (Eric Dolin) and “Six Frigates” (Ian Toll). I would even recommend this to currently serving Sailors as they are filled with good information for boards for ESWS and other pins.
January 18, 2020
The Jones story itself is somewhat inspiring and somewhat depressing. The lack of recognition he received was highlighted well by Thomas. The author doesn’t shy away from Jones’ flaws and failures. It comes across as an honest recollection of the life of a naval giant.
A lot of the content seems repeated and some of the content just isn’t all that interesting. I feel much better informed about this legendary man and that is better than not being informed about him at all.
If history is a 7/10 interest to you I think you’ll like it. If you’re indifferent toward history you probably won’t like it.
A lot of the content seems repeated and some of the content just isn’t all that interesting. I feel much better informed about this legendary man and that is better than not being informed about him at all.
If history is a 7/10 interest to you I think you’ll like it. If you’re indifferent toward history you probably won’t like it.
July 15, 2022
John Paul Jones is a classically heroic character. He has noble ideals and amazing talent but an oversized ego and desire for glory which eventually limit his ultimate success and historical impact. His reputation and story, so to speak, has nevertheless grown so large as to overshadow the reality of the man and his actual deeds.
This book tries to cover both the reality and the legend of the man. It is a fascinating read for all who enjoy 18th century naval history and the revolutionary war period.
This book tries to cover both the reality and the legend of the man. It is a fascinating read for all who enjoy 18th century naval history and the revolutionary war period.
September 2, 2019
I though I always admired John Paul Jones. Until I read this book I realized how little I knew about our great navel warrior. Taking the battle to the English was a good turn for the American war effort. He was tenacious in battle. A lesson to learn is that John Paul Jones was always studying others to improve himself. He always believed he had something to learn, even though we know we have a lot to learn from him.
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