Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates

The Forgotten War That Changed American History

By: Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Brian Kilmeade

"The challenges we face today are not so different from Jefferson's, and we've much to learn from his boldness and from the courage of the marines and sailors who died to protect their country." (Brian Kilmeade)

This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation.

When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford.

Over the previous 15 years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco). Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy - at least not while easy money could be made by extorting America, France, England, and other powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the US Navy's new warships and a detachment of marines to blockade Tripoli - launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status.

As they did in their previous best seller, George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you listening to find out what happens next.

©2015 Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Thomas Jefferson. Pirates. And national security. This is how you make history exciting. I dare you to put this book down.” (Brad Meltzer, best-selling author of The President’s Shadow)

“Reads like a fast-paced thriller but is actually a thoughtful account of America’s first foray into what has become a complex part of the world.” (General Stanley McChrystal (ret.), author of Team of Teams)

“A riveting book of history that reads as though it were ripped from today’s headlines, and a must read for anyone seeking an understanding of the roots of U.S. foreign policy.” (Admiral James Stavridis (ret.), former supreme allied commander at NATO; dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University)