"This book, originally issued in 1970, describes the frustrated, faltering, and sometimes heroic attempts of the Confederacy to circumvent British neutrality and build a navy in Great Britain during the American Civil War. The story possesses many of the elements of good fiction: there are the sharply rendered principal actors; the suspense and narrative excitement of the adventures of the Southern raiders penetrating the Union blockade or attacking the merchant marine; and the cunning appraisals of diplomatic intrigues, maneuverings, and oversights. This is an illuminating account of the diplomatic maneuverings behind the Confederacy's failed attempt to enlist British aid for the secessionist cause."--Jacket.

Originally published: Bloomington : Indiana University Press, 1970. With a new foreword.

Foreword / Howard Jones -- Chapter 1. Problems and plans -- Chapter 2. Britain's dilemma -- Chapter 3. Cruisers: part one -- Chapter 4. Two cruisers, two captains -- Chapter 5. Diplomatic interlude -- Chapter 6. Cruisers: part two -- Chapter 7. Scottish sea monster -- Chapter 8. A curious case -- Chapter 9. Laird rams: part one -- Chapter 10. Laird rams: part two -- Chapter 11. Study in contrasts -- Chapter 12. Blockade runners -- Chapter 13. Conclusion.