Focusing on the East India Squadron, the book provides a detailed exploration of 19th-century American naval and diplomatic activities in the Far East. It highlights the squadron's critical role in foreign policy, detailing the challenges faced by its ships and sailors. Readers encounter a vivid array of naval vessels, from the illustrious Olympia to the less glamorous Palos, alongside a cast of characters including naval heroes, rebellious mobs, and flawed officials, all set against the backdrop of tumultuous seas and the decline of the Old Navy.
