Background
John Conrad Fredriksen was born on February 18, 1953, at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States. He was the son of John and Erselia (Borelli) Fredriksen.
University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
The University of California, Los Angeles, where John Fredriksen received his Bachelor of Arts degree.
500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
The University of Michigan where John Fredriksen received his Master of Arts degree.
45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
The University of Rhode Island where John Fredriksen received his Master of Science degree.
1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918, United States
Providence College where John Fredriksen received his Doctor of Philosophy degree.
(Between the Revolution and the Mexican war, the American ...)
Between the Revolution and the Mexican war, the American republic grew from being a collection of weakly unified states to being a formidable world power. This bibliographic volume covers the first sixty years of United States military history, from 1783 to 1846, a time that has been largely neglected in historical scholarship. The entire range of military affairs, from international diplomacy and ideological considerations to influential presidents, secretaries, and military and naval personalities, is treated in detail throughout this comprehensive bibliography. By addressing Shay's Rebellion, the Indian Wars of the Old Northwest, the Tripolitan War, and other political and diplomatic events, the volume helps to put into context the military trends and activities of an important historical period.
https://www.amazon.com/Shield-Republic-Sword-Empire-Bibliographies/dp/0313253846
1989
(Flying Model Warplanes lists 8,656 plans or kits from twe...)
Flying Model Warplanes lists 8,656 plans or kits from twenty-three countries. The entries are by country, then by the airplane under which the kits are arranged in ascending wingspans.
https://www.amazon.com/Flying-Model-Warplanes-International-Guide/dp/0911295127
1989
(This reference tool enables users to view this important ...)
This reference tool enables users to view this important conflict from a variety of American, British, and Canadian perspectives. Compiled by a recognized authority, this bibliography describes over 850 printed primary sources, including letters, diaries, journals, and memoirs. In addition to the usual army and navy accounts, the book also includes narratives by women, clergy, politicians, diplomats, merchants, and Native Americans.
https://www.amazon.com/War-1812-Eyewitness-Accounts-Bibliographies/dp/031330291X
1997
(American Military Leaders is a comprehensive collection o...)
American Military Leaders is a comprehensive collection of biographies of the most prominent military leaders in American history. American Military Leaders contains over 400 A-Z biographies of individuals such as Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who ended hundreds of years of tradition by allowing women to serve on Navy ships, and, Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, whose rules of clandestine warfare are still followed by the United States Special Forces. Coverage centers on the outstanding generals, sergeants, fighter aces, militiamen, theorists, doctors, and nurses who make up America's military history. This volume presents their backgrounds, contributions, and significance to America's fortunes in war.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Military-Leaders-volumes-Colonial/dp/1576070018
1999
(This is the world's first dinosaur product directory. It ...)
This is the world's first dinosaur product directory. It lists over 1,200 companies and individuals, worldwide, 118 categories of items including art, toys, food, sculpture, and fossil replicas, and an appendix of 2,000 products arranged by 439 extinct species.
https://www.amazon.com/Dino-Guide-John-C-Fredriksen-Ph/dp/0967485606
1999
(Warbirds pays special attention to the aircraft of Americ...)
Warbirds pays special attention to the aircraft of America's Golden Age, 1919-1939, and the breakthrough technological developments of that era. Warbirds offers more than 300 A-Z entries of the aircraft of America's Golden Age. Each entry includes a photograph of the warplane, service dates, manufacturer, records set, engineering and performance history, technical innovations, and even operational problems. To help enthusiasts and researchers, the guide cites the very latest books and periodical literature in its two extensive bibliographies. It also lists aviation museums, airplane magazines, and sources of photographs.
https://www.amazon.com/Warbirds-Illustrated-Military-Aircraft-1915-2000/dp/1576071316
1999
(The book is based on the diary kept during the expedition...)
The book is based on the diary kept during the expedition to Lake Erie under Caption O.H. Perry in 1812-1814.
https://www.amazon.com/Surgeon-Lakes-Diary-Parsons-1812-1814/dp/1883658365
2000
(In-depth descriptions and photographs of the aircraft of ...)
In-depth descriptions and photographs of the aircraft of 21 nations presented with a unique human dimension that goes behind the machines to the people involved. Invaluable for specialists, accessible to enthusiasts, International Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to World Military Aircraft, 1914-2000 puts the most legendary fighter aircraft of the 20th century developed outside the United States on vivid display. It offers 336 illustrated "biographies" of the most significant warplanes used in squadron service from World War I to the Balkan conflict, including numerous models from Great Britain, France, Russia, and Japan, as well as notable machines from Israel, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and other nations.
https://www.amazon.com/International-Warbirds-Illustrated-Military-1914-2000/dp/1576073645
2001
(Books on American military heroes abound. But this book i...)
Books on American military heroes abound. But this book is the first to focus on America's talented enemies the generals, admirals, Indian chiefs and warriors, submarine captains, fighter pilots, and spies who opposed the United States with military force or other means.
https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Military-Adversaries-Colonial-Present/dp/B005Q7CK46
2001
(Alphabetical entries cover political leaders from around ...)
Alphabetical entries cover political leaders from around the world who have significantly shaped political opinions and events, including Nelson Mandela, Ariel Sharon, and Vladimir Putin.
https://www.amazon.com/Biographical-Dictionary-Modern-World-Leaders/dp/0816047235
2003
(This book presents biographical profiles of leaders from ...)
This book presents biographical profiles of leaders from over 100 countries, detailing the political achievements of notables such as Charles de Gaulle, Adolf Hitler, Margaret Thatcher, Menachem Begin, Corazon Aquino, Juan Perâon, and the United States presidents.
https://www.amazon.com/Biographical-Dictionary-Leaders-Library-History/dp/0816053669
2004
(The North American B-45 Tornado was America's first jet b...)
The North American B-45 Tornado was America's first jet bomber and was used in a number of vital missions for nearly a decade. Drawing from declassified secret documents, this history explains the bomber's use in strategic reconnaissance and atomic-weapon strike missions from its 1944 development to its role in the Cold War. The book includes numerous photographs and more than 100 interviews with pilots, navigators, and ground personnel.
https://www.amazon.com/B-45-Tornado-Operational-History-American/dp/0786442786
2005
(Offering a day-by-day chronology of the people and events...)
Offering a day-by-day chronology of the people and events important to the American Revolution, Revolutionary War Almanac provides an up-close look at this historic time. The A to Z dictionary covers people, battles, and other details. More than 130 maps, photographs, and illustrations join with a detailed index, bibliography, and cross-references to make this compendium more accessible than others on the subject.
https://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-Almanac-Almanacs-American-Wars/dp/0816059977
2006
(Civil War Almanac provides a chronology of military and p...)
Civil War Almanac provides a chronology of military and political events of the Civil War, along with alphabetically arranged essays on the battles, individuals, legislation, and issues related to the conflict.
https://www.amazon.com/Civil-Almanac-Almanacs-American-Wars/dp/0816075549
2007
(While the Revolutionary and Civil wars have been the obje...)
While the Revolutionary and Civil wars have been the object of much research and documentation, the war that bridged them has been largely neglected. This is a comprehensive research guide to the careers and manuscript sources for President and Commander-in-Chief James Madison, his three secretaries of war, nine major generals, 27 brigadier generals, various departments, five artillery regiments, three cavalry regiments, the Corps of Engineers, 48 infantry regiments, and four rifle regiments of the United States during the War of 1812. Each unit has a history and a listing of archival resources.
https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Army-1812-Bibliographies/dp/0786441437
2009
(This ground-breaking book examines the series in detail w...)
This ground-breaking book examines the series in detail with interviews of the surviving cast members, and listings of websites, addresses, bibliographies, episode synopses, and an appendix.
https://www.amazon.com/Honey-West-John-C-Fredriksen/dp/1593933460
2009
(Beginning with the war for America's independence more th...)
Beginning with the war for America's independence more than 230 years ago up to and including the regional conflicts of the 21st century, Chronology of American Military History is a three-volume panoramic reference covering the entire length of U.S. military history. Nearly 5,000 chronological, day-by-day entries allow students to follow events as they unfold, often in day-by-day detail.
https://www.amazon.com/Chronology-American-Military-History-Library/dp/0816077614
2010
(This book offers a detailed timeline of the key events in...)
This book offers a detailed timeline of the key events in the history of the United States Army, from the American Revolutionary War to today's ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States Army: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present captures the full sweep of the United States Army's place in our nation's history. It is series of concise, yet highly informative, entries that cover all important events involving American ground troops, both successes, and failures, in wartime and in peace, from the American Revolutionary War to the present.
https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Army-Chronology-Present/dp/1598843443
2010
(This book reproduces fifteen War of 1812 manuscripts, inc...)
This book reproduces fifteen War of 1812 manuscripts, including diaries, memoirs, and letters. The accounts provide a range of perspectives on the war's ground conflicts, from officers to enlisted men, volunteers, and militia.
https://www.amazon.com/War-1812-Person-Volunteers-Militiamen/dp/0786447923
2010
(Covering more than two centuries of naval history, this c...)
Covering more than two centuries of naval history, this chronology highlights the individuals and events that shaped one of the world's greatest fighting forces - the United States Navy. The United States Navy: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present showcases the dramatic role of the nation's warships throughout America's long history and documents the Navy's vital contributions to establishing the United States as a superpower. Beginning with the American Revolutionary War, this comprehensive work details major and minor events in the history of the United States Navy through Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Navy-Chronology-Present/dp/1598844318
2011
(Most civilians have only a vague idea of what the United ...)
Most civilians have only a vague idea of what the United States Special Forces are all about who they are, how they differ from our "normal" military forces, what they've accomplished throughout our history, and how they operate today. Fighting Elites: A History of U.S. Special Forces examines the rich and varied history of United States Special Forces, identifies their contributions to specific conflicts from colonial times forward and highlights their present operational excellence.
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Elites-History-Special-Forces/dp/1598848100
2011
(Understand the growth and evolution of American airpower ...)
Understand the growth and evolution of American airpower with this overview of the history of the world's most successful aviation force. The United States Air Force: A Chronology captures the sweep of United States Air Force history from the service's inception to present times. Concise entries, arranged by date, touch upon military events such as victories and defeats; significant political, administrative, and technological changes affecting the service, and significant events in the careers of noted leaders. Daily occurrences are described within the context of greater historical events such as wars.
https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Air-Force-Chronology/dp/1598846825
2011
(The new Middle East Almanac contains a detailed, day-by-d...)
The new Middle East Almanac contains a detailed, day-by-day chronology of events in the region as well as an A to Z biographical dictionary of the key figures involved in the conflicts. A comprehensive listing of vital statistics is included in the appendix along with maps, illustrations, and an extensive bibliography for further research.
https://www.amazon.com/Middle-East-Almanac-Military-Almanacs/dp/0816080941
2011
(This comprehensive survey profiles one of history's great...)
This comprehensive survey profiles one of history's greatest fighting forces on land, sea, and air. The United States Marine Corps: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present touches upon all aspects of the Continental and United States Marine Corps since their inception. All major battles in all major wars are covered, along with innumerable smaller clashes and deployments abroad.
https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Marine-Corps-Chronology/dp/159884542X
2012
(This ground-breaking booklet examines the historical cont...)
This ground-breaking booklet examines the historical context of the series and its rise and fall, along with biographies of all major personalities involved with its production.
https://www.amazon.com/Men-Into-Space-John-Fredriksen/dp/1593932316
2012
(The War of 1812 saw the United States wracked by politica...)
The War of 1812 saw the United States wracked by political dissent and saddled with a problematic military policy. The new nation notably failed in its attempted occupation of Canada in a bid to leverage better treatment from Great Britain but in two and a half years of fighting, there were American victories and defeats, none of which decisively altered events or advanced the national agenda. In the end, the grievances listed in President Madison's war message to Congress, British harassment of American shipping, the impressment of American citizens, and the instigation of hostilities by Indian tribes, were all mitigated by the time the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814 (mainly attributable to the fall of Napoleon). This collection of War Department correspondence gives a complete account through more than 11,000 official and unofficial letters, annotated and indexed here for the first time.
https://www.amazon.com/1812-Department-Correspondence-1812-181the-1812-1815/dp/0786494085
2016
John Conrad Fredriksen was born on February 18, 1953, at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States. He was the son of John and Erselia (Borelli) Fredriksen.
John Fredriksen dropped out of high school but earned a GED (General Educational Development) that propelled him through the history program at the University of California, Los Angeles where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1980. Then he graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Arts degree in American history in 1984. Fredriksen attended the University of Rhode Island and earned a Master of Science in library and information sciences in 1989. In 1993 he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in United States history at Providence College.
John Fredriksen began his career just before earning his degrees. In 1977 he became a cel painter at Motion Picture Screen Cartoonists where he spent ten years. During these years, he also developed a strong interest in writing, particularly about the American army in the War of 1812. He published his first title under Professor Patrick T. Conley, The Resource Guide for the War of 1812, in 1979.
In 1993 he became an independent military historian based in Salem, Massachusetts. The military life was a path Fredriksen wanted to follow, but a lifelong battle with asthma prevented such a career. Military history fascinated him, and he wrote or edited a lot of books in his lifetime, from model airplanes to dinosaurs but most of them historical, taking an occasional break to pursue other interests like revisiting his childhood through books about Men in Space and the story of his friend, Anne Frances and her TV role as Honey West.
Following the publication of his Resource Guide, he brought out Free Trade and Sailor's Rights: A Bibliography of the War of 1812 in 1985 and this work, along with Dwight Smith's The War of 1812: An Annotated Bibliography, which appeared in the same year, were for more than a quarter-century, the standard reference works for their subject. Then Fredriksen followed with Shield of Republic/Sword of Empire: A Bibliography of United States Military Affairs in 1990 and War of 1812 Eyewitness Accounts: An Annotated Bibliography, in 1997.
Some of his other books were Chronology of American History, The B-45 Tornado: An Operational History of the First American Jet Bomber, Civil War Almanac, Fighting Elites: A History of the U.S. Special Forces, Dino-Guide: The Saurian Source Book. At the time of his death in 2014, John was completing a 1,100-page manuscript entitled The War of 1812: U.S. War Department Correspondence, 1812-1815, an annotated index of some 11,000 letters from the correspondence of the Secretary of War written by 2,400 different authors.
The books Fredriksen contributed to are American National Biography, Dictionary of World Biography: The Twentieth Century, Magill's Guide to Military History, Encyclopedia of the American Civil War, The Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-Century Land Warfare: An Illustrated World View, and Encyclopedia of American History. He contributed articles to the Journal of America's Military Past, Military Collector and Historian, Bulletin of Bibliography, Film and History, and American Aviation Historical Society.
(This book presents biographical profiles of leaders from ...)
2004(Beginning with the war for America's independence more th...)
2010(Most civilians have only a vague idea of what the United ...)
2011(Civil War Almanac provides a chronology of military and p...)
2007(This ground-breaking book examines the series in detail w...)
2009(Alphabetical entries cover political leaders from around ...)
2003(This book offers a detailed timeline of the key events in...)
2010(Covering more than two centuries of naval history, this c...)
2011(The new Middle East Almanac contains a detailed, day-by-d...)
2011(This ground-breaking booklet examines the historical cont...)
2012(Offering a day-by-day chronology of the people and events...)
2006(In-depth descriptions and photographs of the aircraft of ...)
2001(Between the Revolution and the Mexican war, the American ...)
1989(While the Revolutionary and Civil wars have been the obje...)
2009(Warbirds pays special attention to the aircraft of Americ...)
1999(Understand the growth and evolution of American airpower ...)
2011(American Military Leaders is a comprehensive collection o...)
1999(This reference tool enables users to view this important ...)
1997(The North American B-45 Tornado was America's first jet b...)
2005(The War of 1812 saw the United States wracked by politica...)
2016(This comprehensive survey profiles one of history's great...)
2012(This book reproduces fifteen War of 1812 manuscripts, inc...)
2010(The book is based on the diary kept during the expedition...)
2000(Flying Model Warplanes lists 8,656 plans or kits from twe...)
1989(This is the world's first dinosaur product directory. It ...)
1999(Books on American military heroes abound. But this book i...)
2001Fredriksen had an obsession to bring back the body of Captain William Henry Allen, a Providence naval hero from the War of 1812. Allen, the scourge of English commerce around the British Isles, commanded the brig, USS Argus, in battle with HMS Pelican where he was mortally wounded. Allen was buried with full military honors in the churchyard at St. Andrews, Plymouth, England. Though John failed in that mission, he did secure Allen's posthumous induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in November 2013.
Quotations:
"My reasons for penning thoughts on paper lay probably beyond the realm of most writers to comprehend."
"Suffice to say, I entered historical writing through the back door and never left!"
"My motivation behind writing is simple: in everything I do, strive to be first. This means cultivating awareness of topics less popular than others, or in a scholarly sense, completely ignored."
"History, as a discipline, is subject to the vagaries of human memory, whereby the most popular and obvious topics are continually covered and re-covered. But originality has a quality, an excellence all its own. Therefore, if it has never been done, do it; if it has yet to be dreamt, conceive it - and never, never let creativity be shackled by scholarly convention. Your labors can only add to our intellectual largeness, and contribute to the ongoing tapestry of human experience."
John Fredriksen was a member of the American Historical Association and Phi Alpha Theta.
Fredriksen was a focused and quiet man who led a simple life. He retained an interest in films, particularly war films, and had an impressive collection of foreign productions, including many rare Japanese and Soviet films.
Physical Characteristics: The cause of John Fredriksen's death was a brain tumor. During his life, he also suffered from asthma.