"A Great and Rising Nation is an important addition to the scholarship of the antebellum navy, especially the period between 1830 and 1860, which has been sorely underexplored."

H-Net Reviews

"While establishing itself as a continental power, the early American Republic asserted itself in the international sphere through a series of scientific expeditions aimed at expanding the country’s economic influence. In A Great and Rising Nation, Verney recounts how the various military expeditions accomplished not only their stated intentions but also the unstated goal of expanding US influence at a time when European interests dominated global economic systems. . . Recommended."

Choice

“With its expansive narrative and sophisticated, penetrating insights, A Great and Rising Nation makes a genuine contribution to our understanding of the early American republic and its relationship to the wider world.”

Brian Rouleau, Texas A&M University

“Elegant, erudite, and adventurous, A Great and Rising Nation takes readers on a remarkable global voyage with the US Navy’s antebellum exploring expeditions. Crisply written and featuring a memorable cast of characters, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the early American republic, naval history, and the history of American empire.”

Gautham Rao, American University

“A Great and Rising Nation shows how naval exploration became both mass entertainment and a popular instrument of imperial power in the early American republic. This marvelous new study combines thrilling accounts of early US exploring expeditions from Fiji to the Arctic with an important argument about the relationship of domestic political process and empire building.”

Amy S. Greenberg, Pennsylvania State University

“Beginning in the early nineteenth century, the American Navy played a key role in extending the scope and reach of American influence in the world. Venturing to distant regions, the Navy engaged in a wide range of scientific, humanitarian, and political missions. Compelling and original, A Great and Rising Nation transforms our understanding of the origins and meaning of American imperialism.”

Rosemarie Zagarri, George Mason University