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According to the
book description of A Most Fortunate Ship: A Narrative History of Old Ironsides, “Called
a definitive account when first published in 1980 and the winner of several book awards, this revised and expanded edition
is available now for the first time in paperback. Tyrone G. Martin, the author, was captain of the USS Constitution during
the nation's bicentennial celebrations. After decades of research and study, Martin was able to confirm that the innovative
diagonal riders which ensured the frigate's long life were present at the ship's launching. He also provides details
about the famous ship's participation in battles that have long been ignored or glossed over in official reports. Pictorial
battle diagrams are included. The
book not only tells Constitution's complete story, but also presents a picture of life in the U.S. Navy during the nineteenth
century--its proud moments as well as its concerns, attitudes, and tensions. Fascinating details are presented on the organization,
care, feeding, and disciplining of the crew, and on events that involved such famous names in early American naval history
as Edward Preble and Stephen Decatur. Just as previous editions were sought-after as sources of pleasure and information,
this new edition will appeal to everyone who enjoys a good sea story and to serious students and sailing ship buffs seeking
a reliable reference.”
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Commander Tyrone G. Martin,
United States Navy (Ret.) is a naval historian, notable as an authority on the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"),
of which he was the 49th captain, between 1974 and 1978. Now retired after 26 years in the Navy, he has written several books
about Old Ironsides, as well as numerous articles on various aspects of the ship and her times, plus the "Salty Talk"
column in the journal Naval History. Before commanding the Constitution, he commanded two destroyers on tours of duty off
Korea and Vietnam.
In 1997, Tyrone G. Martin
received the Robert G. Albion Award from the National Maritime Historical Society. He is the author of
The USS Constitution's Finest Fight, 1815: The Journal of Acting Chaplain Assheton Humphreys, US Navy; Undefeated:
"Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812; A Most Fortunate Ship: A Narrative History of Old Ironsides; and, Creating a
Legend.
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