Raphael Semmes

Warren F. Spencer is professor emeritus of history at the University of Georgia. He is author of The Confederate Navy in Europe.

Spencer…remains true to his purpose to produce a balanced biography explaining more of Semmes’ humanity rather than just recounting high-seas adventures of the hard-bitten Confederate “pirate.”"" - The Florida Historical Quarterly""[Spencer’s] admiration for Semmes as a naval officer is fully justified…[Semmes] was the first commerce raider to operate in the age of steam, and—here I am in full agreement with Spencer—he may have been the best of all time."" - American History magazine""The best biography of Semmes to date. A well-balanced study with new insight on his pre-Civil War career as well as his exploits during that conflict."" - William N. Still Jr., East Carolina University