By Tyrone G. Martin

This is consider the most comprehensive historical narrative of USS Constitution. It is written by a former captain who has devoted much of his retirement to studying this great ship and those who served aboard her.  This is a "must read" for anyone wishing to know the complete story of "Old Ironsides".

Note: A Most Fortunate Ship by Commander Tyrone Martin, is no longer available as a hardcover book.

440 pages, Softbound Naval Institute Press, 1997

Recently published by the Naval Historical Center, the agency responsible for maintaining USS Constitution, this book is a training guide for naval personnel assigned to "Old Ironsides".  It is a serious work that blends scholarly essays with a host of beautiful illustrations as well as diagrams, drawings, and excerpts from journals and logs. 

The book is divided into three sections: basic, advanced, and master, all well written.  Particular detail is paid to the ship's service during the War of 1812 in which she played such an important part.

 Several appendices dealing with such things as uniforms and naval regulations of the time are included as is a bibliography and index.

158 pages, Softbound, 2007

Written by Charles E. Brodine, Jr., Michael J. Crawford, and Christine F. Hughes

 

By Thomas Gillmer
Writing from the his unique perspective as a naval architect and as a restorer of such vessels as the Pride of Baltimore, author Gillmer tells the story of "Old Ironsides" as well as speaking to the questions raised in restoring an old warship. Handsomely illustrated by William Gilkerson.

239 pages, Softbound McGraw Hill, 1996

By Edited by Tyrone G. Martin
This is a fascinating account of a remarkable event in Constitution's glorious history, one that is often overshadowed by her triumphs over HMS Guerriere and HMS Java. In a twilight battle she defeated two British vessels HMS Cyane and HMS Levant at the same time. Recounting that story, and the voyage leading up to and after it is a 23-year-old ship's clerk, Assheton Humphreys. He does so in a straightforward but very literary way that is eminently readable and totally engrossing. Editor Martin lends an equally proficient hand in explaining passages as necessary and setting us with a proper historical and naval perspective. The journal, which only came to light within the last 20 years, is a short but very satisfying account of a very unique event in the history of a very unique ship. "Old Ironsides" devotees will love it. Includes appendixes of ship's muster, casualties, and an 1815 broadside as well as a modern description of both the battle and the chase.

104 pages, Hardbound 2000, Nautical and Aviation Publishing Co

By Steven Dunwell
You'll marvel at the magnificence of this 200 year old ship as seen through the dramatic eye of this well-renowed photojournalist. Wander the decks, meet her captain and crew, and observe her performing the duties of this, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. An engaging text by Dr. William Fowler will guide you through two centuries of the ship's history. Recently updated to include the historic sailing on July 21, 1997.

48 pages, Softbound Fort Church Publishers, 1991. Reprinted 1998

By Christopher McKee

Edward Preble was a singular leader, one that helped set the course of US naval history by inspiring, mentoring, leading and even defending "Preble Boys" a group of young officers under his command who would later become giants in American history - Decatur, Hull, Bainbridge, and several others. This biography, written by Christopher McKee, is still considered the most authorative history of the man written to date.

394 pages, Hardcover, Naval Institute Press, 1996

By William Fowler, Jr
This book is more than the biography of USS Constitution's second commanding officer: it is very much the story of a young man whose life came to reflect the times in which he lived. Silas Talbot was a young soldier in the Revolution who went on to become a high ranking army officer, later a privateer (and prisoner of war), then a speculator in western lands, a congressman championing the rights of American sailors and ultimately joined the navy and became captain of one of America's first frigates. In each endeavor Talbot very much helped to create and sustain the Early Republic of which he was so much a part. William Fowler is the author of several books about American and naval history including works on patriots John Hancock and Sam Adams.

232 pages, Hardbound 1995 by Mystic Seaport Museum.

A true tale of a young man who sailed on Constitution and several other ships and was impressed by the British. Edited for modern readers.

139 pages, Softbound