John Edward Jennings


John Edward Jennings Jr. was an American historical novelist. He wrote many best-selling novels of American history and seagoing adventure. He also wrote several nonfiction books on history.

Biography

Jennings was born in Brooklyn, New York, attended the Colorado School of Mines, and studied engineering and literature at Columbia University. He had his first experience of seafaring at age 19 as a hand aboard a tramp steamer in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean. As of October 1940, aged 33, he was living in Wayland, Massachusetts, and was self-employed. In World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the US Navy and was head of the Naval Aviation History Unit.
Jennings first wrote short stories and travel narratives. His first novel, Next to Valour, set during the French and Indian War, was published in 1939. It became a best-seller, translated into seven languages. His most popular novel was The Salem Frigate, a romantic adventure set on the US frigate Essex. Other seafaring adventures included The Sea Eagles, about the early days of the US Navy, and Chronicle of the Calypso, Clipper about a clipper race. Banners Against the Wind was a biographical novel about the pioneering doctor Samuel Gridley Howe.
Jennings died in December 1973 at his home in Miller Place, New York. He was survived by his wife and a son.

Selected bibliography

Novels
Nonfiction