It’s no secret the publishing industry is rapidly evolving. That fact was reinforced last week when I flipped open a magazine I subscribe to and read the words “This issue of Golf World is your last in print as it now will be available exclusively on digital platforms.”
The U.S. Naval Institute, Naval History’s publisher, has adapted to changes in the media landscape by delivering news and content to its members and customers in fresh ways. These include via social outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, the Naval Institute Press’ rapidly expanding eBook offerings, and the news.usni.org website.
The Institute’s latest—big—step is the launch of the Naval History digital edition for the iPad. By downloading this free app, you can access current and back issues of the magazine. They’re free to print subscribers, or readers can purchase single copies or digital subscriptions. Special-interest issues on popular topics are also available for purchase. And rest assured there are no plans to discontinue the print version of the magazine. The digital edition is simply an additional, enhanced way to enjoy Naval History.
Unlike most history magazines available on the Apple Newsstand, Naval History does not merely replicate the print magazine. Created by Kelly Oaks, managing editor for digital content and production, it’s a dynamic, specially designed edition that features bonuses—such as slide shows, extra articles, and audio and video clips—as well as interactive maps and other graphics.
An additional benefit of going digital is that it greatly expands Naval History’s reach. Subscribing to a foreign magazine can be expensive, but now a naval enthusiast in, say, Britain can easily find us in the App Store and economically purchase and download the magazine.
That hypothetical British reader would likely be especially interested in the current issue of Naval History featuring our final War of 1812 bicentennial package, which focuses on the Chesapeake Bay theater. In “War Visits the Chesapeake,” Naval History and Heritage Command historian Charles Brodine sets the scene by describing British strategy and how the invaders’ campaign of destruction brought the hard hand of war down on the local population—as well as the nation’s capital.
Chipp Reid’s article, “Last Stand at Bladensburg,” examines Marine Captain Samuel Miller’s small band of Leathernecks at the lopsided battle fought outside Washington. Reid, author of Intrepid Sailors (Naval Institute Press, 2012), describes how American troops precipitously fled from the fight but Miller’s Marines and Captain Joshua Barney’s Chesapeake Flotillamen stood firm against the advancing Redcoats.
Prolific War of 1812 author and Fort McHenry ranger-historian Scott Sheads contributes two articles. In “God, Preserve Them!” he recounts the role Captain George Stiles and his naval militia unit, the First Marine Artillery of the Union, played in preparing Baltimore for British attack. Meanwhile, “Defending the Prize of the Chesapeake” is a look at how the Americans actually turned back the British at Baltimore.
And finally, the Alfred Sedivi collection of USS Indianapolis (CA-35) photos, some of which were featured in the August issue’s cover story, “Photographer at War” (pp. 16–23), were a big hit at a reunion of the survivors of the cruiser’s sinking and the families of those lost at sea. On 26 July, the Naval Institute gave a surprise presentation at the Indianapolis, Indiana, gathering. It was the first opportunity for those in attendance to see a selection of photos from the collection that was recently donated to the Naval Institute’s archives.
“The 13 survivors who were able to make the trip to Indianapolis said the photos brought back many memories of their ship and shipmates,” said Naval Institute communications director Scot Christenson, who delivered the presentation. “Other attendees were thrilled to spot images of their fathers among the photos.”