You have never experienced history like this.

Not Self but Country is not only the first book in this exciting series about the birth of the United States Navy; it is also the motto of that Navy.

Not Self but Country is the story of the men who sailed into battle against the mighty British Navy in their smaller, often obsolete, vessels converted from merchant ships.

Men with long-forgotten names like John Barry, Richard Dale, and John Paul Jones, risked everything to sacrifice for a concept they believed in: FREEDOM.

Sail alongside these heroes, experience their exploits at sea aboard the fragile wooden sailing ship of the Continental Navy. Feel the excitement and fear when you fight desperate battles against the world's largest and most powerful Navy, Great Britain.

Cover your ears! Cannons are firing everywhere-cough on the pungent smoke, dodge and ducki as jagged oak splinters cartwheel past your eyes.

There is nonstop action in this exciting new book.

Don't worry-Every book in this series includes a nautical terms dictionary and short biographical sketch of these historical heroes.

Endorsements from Modern Naval Heroes

"If you only read one book about the beginning of the United States Navy, Not Self but Country is it. Dave Perry expertly weaves an exciting and suspenseful story about the early days of the Navy and its heroes such as Captain John Barry, John Paul Jones, and Richard Dale. Bringing these leaders to life with a cast of superb supporting characters, provides an insight into our nation's history and the traditions and customs that are still observed daily aboard Navy ships around the world."

-Rear Admiral Greg Nosal, US Navy Retired

"Spellbinding! A nautical page-turner you won't be able to put down. As a life-long mariner, I found David Perry's mastery of the sailing culture captivating; his exciting prose will transport you to the era of our earliest naval heroes. A must-read for any fan of nautical and navy lore."

-Rear Admiral Tony Kurta, US Navy, Retired

"Transported back several centuries to the days of our embryonic Navy, we are swept up in the conflict, intrigue and social drama of those early Naval heroes who "greased the skids" for America's future maritime influence. I was captivated by the tales of indomitable gallantry of those who answered the call and by the resolute sacrifice of those who stood by them. Truly an enthralling volume from a talented writer!"

-Rear Admiral Steve Eastburg, US Navy, Retired

Not Self but Country is a gripping seafaring adventure set in the late eighteenth century. Using naval terms and jargon of the day, David Perry has placed the reader squarely in the middle of the action. Overcome adversity and grow with John Paul Jones and other youthful mariners who are destined to become leaders in the newly established continental Navy. You will sit in on the strategy meetings at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia with Franklin, Jefferson, and naval captains of the day.

Climb the rigging, let loose the sails, and feel the wind in your face as you pursue the enemy. Stand on the quarterdeck of Bonhomme Richard in the heat of battle, smelling the acrid smoke as the cannons lay barrage, and cringe when incoming balls splinter the timbers and hole the sails. Feel the pain of your fellow wounded patriots. There is no room for bystanders, so grab your cutlass, pistol, and hatchet and prepare to board when the order is given. The moment has come. When asked if he had struck colors, Commodore Jones shouted to Serapis, "I have not yet begun to fight."

-Chief Warrant Officer Tommy Robinson, US Navy, Retired -Author of "Steely Eyed Killers of the Deep"
About the Author: Born in Stockton, California in the 1950s, David moved to Seattle, Washington in1960 with his parents and brother. His pre-college days were spent growing up in the Northwestern U.S., almost equally divided between the Puget Sound area of Washington and Northwestern Montana, in Libby. David reported to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1977. It was at this time that he was introduced to that intrepid seafaring officer, Horatio Hornblower, by C.S Forester. This acquaintance would expand to many characters of that genre. David's naval adventures took him far from the banks of the Severn River, sailing the steel ships of the twentieth century on the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and across the vast Pacific. As a civilian David has worked in the human resources field of corporate America. He has served as a member and chair of many non-profit organization boards as well as on the leadership teams of local churches he attended with his family. David currently lives with his wife, Bonnie, in Liberty Lake, Washington. Writing the stories of the brave men who have served our country at sea is one of his greatest joys. His books are thoroughly researched for actual event as well as reliable backdrops and settings. Period and nautical language are used to tell the true stories of these intrepid patriots.