" William Watson and the Rob Roy: The Adventures of a Civil War Blockade Runner is a work of historical non-fiction that examines the role of small, shallow-draft, sailing schooners used for blockade running during the American Civil War. William Watson was the owner and captain of Rob Roy --one of those diminutive schooners which eluded the Union blockade on numerous occasions. Some thirty years after the event, having returned to his homeland of Scotland, the articulate Mr. Watson wrote his memoirs in a book, published in 1892, entitled Adventures of a Blockade Runner . Over time, his book has become something of a staple for students of the Civil War at sea. In this long-overdue study, Walter E. Wilson has critically evaluated the voyages, vessels, associates and events described by Watson in his rollicking tale, and has found them to be either completely true, or almost true in parts, and complete fairy-tale fabrications in others. Stylistically, the prose is clear and restrained, reflecting the conventions of historical scholarship.

The author avoids speculation, grounding interpretations firmly in available evidence. The book succeeds as an informative and well-researched study. Its careful use of primary sources, and attention to maritime detail, make it particularly valuable for students of Civil War history and naval studies. It will make a worthwhile and enjoyable read for both academic and general audiences interested in the naval dimensions of the Civil War."--Robert Thorp, Civil War Navy Magazine.