the War of Independence was not a bright spot in the annals of the American Navy, as the service required a degree of sophistication and technical expertise before it could make a credible showing in the face of the world's best navy. By 1812, they could make more of a fuss on the oceans, but 1776 to 1782 isn't studded with high points. The Americans strove manfully, but little could be done, and Mr. Fowler demonstrates the limitations with care. ( )

Rebels under sail is an easy-to-read but very informative exploration of an often-overlooked topic. The role and evolution of Colonial naval forces is presented in the larger context of the war. A pleasant surprise is the historic lessons of globalization. Conflicts between British ship builders and the innovators who sought to reduce the cost of ship building with "cheap, unskilled" labor around the world in the underdeveloped colonies presents an analogy of current economic conflicts that could not be more on point. Very well-written, this work conveys the details of ship building, the economics of the 18th century, and the beginnings of the U.S. Navy in the flow of a story that carries the reader along quite smartly. ( )