The Perfect Wreck - Old Ironsides and HMS Java: A Story of 1812

HMS Java and the USS Constitution (the famous “Old Ironsides”) face off in the War of 1812’s most spectacular blue-water frigate action. Their separate stories begin in August 1812—one in England and the other in New England. Then, the tension and suspense rise, week-by-week, as the ships cruise the Atlantic, slowly and inevitably coming together for the final life-and-death climax. 


The Perfect Wreck is not only the first full-length book ever written about the battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Java, it is a gem of Creative Nonfiction.  It has the exhaustive research of a scholarly history book; but it is beautifully presented in the form of a novel. 


“A highly recommended must-read for every naval enthusiast—indeed, for every American!”  - Stephen Coonts - NY Times best-selling author