Download or read book Sailing on Friday written by John A. Butler and published by Potomac Books. This book was released on 1997 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book recounts the colorful history of the U.S. merchant fleet in times of war and peace, from 1776 to the present. Twice in U.S. history, the American maritime fleet grew to become one of the most powerful in the world, only to decline thereafter. The author includes accounts of little-noted innovations that had long-lasting effects, daring ocean rescues, sea battles, and financial gambles that won or lost fortunes.