MATTHEW CALBRAITH PERRY: Antebellum Sailor and Diplomat

Drawing on recent scholarship as well as archival sources to examine every phase of Perry's career, from his service under Commodore John Rodgers in the War of 1812 to command of the Africa Squadron, the Gulf Squadron in the Mexican War and the East India Squadron, Schroeder describes Perry's efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency of the Navy. Illus.