Listed below (in no particular order) are twenty great reads on the Civil War Navy.  Topics cover a wide range of subject areas, from general history to biography.  This is in no way a definitive list.  Please post any other books you like on the Civil War Navy in the comments section.  
1.  Lincoln and His Admirals – Craig Symonds
2.  Vicksburg is the Key – William L. Shea and Terrence J. Winshel 
3.  Ellet’s Brigade: The Strangest Outfit of All – Chester Hearn
4.  The Naval History of the Civil War – David Dixon Porter
5.  Gunboats Down the Mississippi – John D. Milligan
6.  Duel Between the First Ironclads – William C. Davis 
7.  By Sea and By River – Bern Anderson
8.  Thunder Along the Mississippi – Jack Coombe 
9.  Union Jacks: Yankee Sailors in the Civil War – Michael Bennett 
10. Rebels and Yankees – Chester Hearn
11. Divided Waters – Ivan Musicant 
12. Confederate Shipbuilding – William N. Still, Jr.
13. Lincoln’s Admiral: The Civil War Campaigns of David Farragut – James P. Duffy
14. Guns on the Western Waters – Allen Gosnell
15. Battle Flags South – James Merrill 
16. The Gulf and Inland Waters – Alfred Thayer Mahan
17. Civil War Ironclads: Dawn of Naval Armor – Robert McBride
18. Commanding Lincoln’s Navy: Union Naval Leadership During the Civil War – Stephen R. Taaffe 
19. Confederate Naval Forces on Western Waters – Thomas R. Campbell
20. Slaves, Sailors, Citizens: African Americans in the Union Navy – Stephen J. Ramold 
You can also see the list at Goodreads here:   
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3089235
Naval History and Heritage Command at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/navalhistory



