I really enjoyed rading this book. For part of our final in history we had to read this book. Trask does an excellent job of discribing events from the past without boring everyone. Once I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I encourage anyone to read it.

The author's use of journals and letters from the Civil War period, presented here in a readable, narrative format, paints a realistic view of the average people involved in one of the lowest points in this country's young history. Kerry Trask's stories and insights about the people portrayed in this book are every bit as entertaining as the primary texts themselves; in particular, the background information necessary in a book such as this is provided without overwhelming the reader with dry facts, figures, and dates. I found myself envisioning each season as it came and went, appreciating the contrasts depicted between life on the home front and that in the distant places where men and boys were waiting to confront an enemy no different from themselves. It is especially rewarding to know that Rosa Kellner's desire to become a published author has been fulfilled through the writing of this book. I would recommend it to any person with an interest in the human aspect of war, especially teachers who are looking for a book that students will enjoy reading.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It seems the author really has a grasp of the history of Manitowoc during the Civil War. It was interesting to read how the soldiers felt during their Civil War enlistment, and how the people back home felt about their loved ones going to war in the South. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Civil War history.

A very interesting piece of Great Lakes history.
This is the story of how a small shipyard in Manitowoc Wisconsin came to produce 28 submarines from 1942-1945. It was written by an admiral who commanded two Manitowoc submarines. After a brief history of shipbuilding in Manitowoc the author describes how submarines which had a minimum draft of 12 feet could be transported through a channel 9 feet deep by carrying the submarines in a floating dry dock. There are details of construction, sea (lake) trials and the hazards of taking the dry-docked boat down narrow stretches of the Mississippi.
There are a number of photos including the cover which shows the sideways launching of a sub. Included is a table of ships sunk in combat which totaled about 500,000 tons.
The company has evolved into making cranes, refrigeration equipment as well as shipbuilding and dry dock operations.

I was fascinated by this story. It will appeal to those with an interest in Great Lakes shipbuilding, industrial history, and the US Navy.