'Emerging Civil War': new review of 'The Life and Times of Captain John Low'

We are pleased to announce that 'The Life and Times of Captain John Low' by Robert Thorp has been reviewed by Dr. David F. Winkler in 'Emerging Civil War', Posted online on September 8, 2026:

[...] Thorp has produced a very readable history of the CSN that broadens our understanding of the war at sea. For British readers, the chapters covering Low’s life in England before and after the American Civil War are an added bonus with Thorp’s insights regarding life during the industrial age. Well Done.

[Extract from book review published on the platform 'Emerging Civil War', Posted online on September 8, 2026. Reviewer: Dr. David F. Winkler. https://emergingcivilwar.com/2026/09/08/book-review-the-life-and-times-of-captain-john-low-an-englishman-in-the-confederate-states-navy/ ]

Find out more about the book and order your copy here: The Life and Times of Captain John Low

Captain John Low (1836 -1906) earned his place in history through four years of service in the Confederate States Navy (1861-1865). He served on CSS 'Fingal', 'Florida', and 'Alabama', and commanded CSS 'Tuscaloosa' and 'Ajax'. However, it would be wrong to define the man simply by his Civil War record. His seventy-year life was full of adventures, triumphs, tragedies, and altruistic philanthropy. He led a good life and was known as a good man, respected and revered by all who knew him. This book contains a detailed account of Captain Low’s whole life from cradle to grave. Using primary source documents, not available to earlier biographers, the author delves into John Low’s life to a much greater depth than any preceding work has been able to achieve. For the first time ever, his genealogy is fully divulged, allowing previously misunderstood relationships to be challenged and corrected, and the roles of his previously unknown siblings to be fully explored. Description of his military service is based on his personal log books and the eye witness accounts of his contemporaries. Along the way, the book sheds new perspectives on the roles played by his relations, Charles Green and Andrew Low of Savannah, in facilitating purchase of CSS 'Fingal'; it unmasks the mysterious Thomas Byrne, Louisiana’s secret agent, and explains the hitherto unrecognised role of Liverpool’s Isaac, Low & Co. The captain’s post-war life, firstly as a manager of Lancashire cotton mills, and latterly as a successful Liverpool businessman, is similarly illuminated with many previously unwritten facts. Anyone with an interest in Civil War history will find a wealth of new and unique material between these covers. Those who just enjoy a good biography should also be delighted.

Title The Life and Times of Captain John Low
Subtitle An Englishman in the Confederate States Navy
Edition 1st
ISBN 979-8-8819-0446-3
Published in June 2026