‘A General History of the Pyrates’ is a captivating account of some of history’s most notorious pirates. The author, writing as Captain Charles Johnson, blends fiction and non-fiction to provide readers with a most entertaining version of these iconic heroes and villains. This book was a massive success upon its first release due to its adventurous stories filled with danger and treasure and its influence lives on to this day as it shaped the modern view of pirates. Some of the best accounts in the book are of the infamous Blackbeard and the trailblazing female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. ‘A General History of the Pyrates’ is the definitive story of the golden age of piracy and should be read by fans of books such as ‘Treasure Island’ and movies such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Daniel Defoe (1660 – 1731) is one of the most important authors in the English language. Defoe was one of the original English novelists and greatly helped to popularise the form. Defoe was highly prolific and is believed to have written over 300 works ranging from novels to political pamphlets. He was highly celebrated but also controversial as his writings influenced politicians but also led to Defoe being imprisoned. Defoe’s novels have been translated into many languages and are still read across the globe to this day. Some of his most famous books include ‘Moll Flanders’ and ‘Robinson Crusoe’ which was adapted into a movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Damian Lewis in 1997. Defoe’s influence on English novels cannot be understated and his legacy lives on to this day.

Who were the world’s most successful pirates, and why? “Interesting and very readable . . . Little clearly knows his subject well.” —International Journal of Naval History More than just simple retellings of tried-and-true stories of buccaneers on the high seas, this book focuses on pirating tactics of the 1500s through the 1800s to give an in-depth view of how pirates functioned through history. Stories of the thirteen most famous pirates as they raid major ships and pillage coastal villages reveal how the pirates approached such invasions—and how they managed to elude authorities and sometimes whole navies. In addition, vivid firsthand descriptions recreate the excitement, fear, and fury of the most famous raids by these outlaws of the ocean. Delving deep to show piracy’s profound impact on trade, politics, military strategy, culture, and individual lives, the book sifts truth from myth, carefully reconstructs the geopolitical context of each story, and analyzes the tactics that brought the pirates glory, or led to their downfall. Also included are archival images gathered from around the world by the author, a former Navy SEAL and consultant on maritime security.

With surprising tales of vicious mutineers, imperial riches, and high-seas intrigue, Black Flags, Blue Waters is “rumbustious enough for the adventure-hungry” (Peter Lewis, San Francisco Chronicle). Set against the backdrop of the Age of Exploration, Black Flags, Blue Waters reveals the surprising history of American piracy’s “Golden Age” - spanning the late 1600s through the early 1700s - when lawless pirates plied the coastal waters of North America and beyond. “Deftly blending scholarship and drama” (Richard Zacks), best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin illustrates how American colonists at first supported these outrageous pirates in an early display of solidarity against the Crown, and then violently opposed them. Through engrossing episodes of roguish glamour and extreme brutality, Dolin depicts the star pirates of this period, among them the towering Blackbeard, the ill-fated Captain Kidd, and sadistic Edward Low, who delighted in torturing his prey. Upending popular misconceptions and cartoonish stereotypes, Black Flags, Blue Waters is a “tour de force history” (Michael Pierce, Midwestern Rewind) of the seafaring outlaws whose raids reflect the precarious nature of American colonial life.

History of Pirates True Story of the Most Notorious Pirates brings together a compelling collage of the swashbuckling era, weaving the tempestuous tales of piracys golden age with the stylistic quills of Daniel Defoe and Captain Charles Johnson. It is a collection distinguished by its rich portrayal of pirate life, underscored by an array of literary stylesfrom firsthand accounts to meticulously crafted narratives. This anthology draws its significance from the depth of exploration into the pirates ethos, encapsulating a spectrum of maritime lawlessness while shedding light on the nuanced personal stories behind the infamous legends. The backgrounds of Defoe and Johnson provide a foundation rooted in both authentic journalistic endeavor and imaginative storytelling, reflecting a keen eye on humanity's darker pursuits on the high seas. Their contributions align with a broader literary movement that seeks to demystify and humanize historical figures, framing piracy within its socio-economic and cultural contexts. This convergence of historical accuracy and narrative flair from different vantages offers readers a comprehensive understanding of piracy's allure and terror, transcending mere folklore. This anthology is a treasure trove for those captivated by history and literature, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to navigate through the tumultuous waters of pirate lore. It invites readers to embark on a journey not only of adventure but of understanding, challenging perceptions of infamy and morality. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection promises a voyage into the heart of piracys true story, illuminated by the pens of its most articulate chroniclers.

Captain Charles Johnson's celebrated 'A General History of the Pirates' (1724) is the most famous book about pirates ever written. Buoyed by the volume's runaway success Johnson followed up with the equally engrossing 'The Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen' (1734) which, published here for the first time in two centuries, provides over 50 accounts of the most notorious British criminals of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These include the famous highwayman William Davis, alias The Golden Farmer, the cross-Channel gentleman highwayman Claude du Vall, the prolific road adventurer Old Mob and the royalist carriage raider James Hind. Johnson's volumes, featuring fictional accounts based on factual sources, are significant as the forerunners of the real-life criminal biography genre, and for their influence on such early novels as Defoe's 'Moll Flanders' and Fielding's 'Jonathan Wild'. Originally published in folio size complete with fine engravings, this new edition of 'Highwaymen' not only includes the very best of these original decorative features but also presents a series of related illustrations, playbills, and portraits from the British Library collections.

The famous history that inspired so many adventure novels, movies and most recently Black Sails & Pirates of the Caribbean. Find out the truth behind the legend: Table of Contents: Of Captain Avery, And his Crew Of Captain Martel, And his Crew Of Captain Teach, alias Blackbeard Of Major Stede Bonnet, And his Crew Of Capt. Edward England, And his Crew Of Captain Charles Vane, And his Crew Of Captain John Rackam, And his Crew The Life of Mary Read, And Anne Bonny Of Captain Howel Davis, And his Crew Of Captain Bartho. Roberts, And his Crew Of Captain Anstis, And his Crew Of Captain Worley, And his Crew Of Capt. George Lowther, And his Crew Of Captain Edward Low, And his Crew Of Capt. John Evans, And his Crew. Of Captain John Phillips, And his Crew. Of Captain Spriggs, And his Crew. An Account of the Pyracies and Murders committed by Philip Roche, &c. An Abstract of the Civil Law and Statute Law now in Force, in Relation to Pyracy Of Captain Misson Of Capt. John Bowen Of Capt. William Kid Of Captain Tew, And his Crew Of Capt. Halsey, And his Crew Of Captain Thomas White, And his Crew Of Captain Condent, And his Crew A Description of Magadoxa Of Capt. Bellamy Of Captain William Fly, And his Crew Of Capt. Thomas Howard, And his Crew Of Captain Lewis. And his Crew Of Captain Cornelius, And his Crew Of Capt. David Williams, And his Crew Of Capt. Samuel Burgess, And his Crew Of Capt. Nathaniel North, And his Crew Of Captain Teach Of Major Bonnet Of Captain Worley Of Captain Martel The Trial of the Pirates at Providence. Of Captain Vane Of Captain Bowen Captain Charles Johnson is the British author whose real identity remains a mystery but the manner in which he demonstrates a knowledge of the sailor's speech and life, suggests that he could have been an actual sea captain or a professional writer using a pseudonym who was well versed in the sea.

Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. Those who engage in acts of piracy are called pirates. The era of piracy in the Caribbean began in the 1500s and died out in the 1830s after the navies of the nations of Western Europe and North America with colonies in the Caribbean began combating pirates. In the early eighteenth century a number of the great pirate captains, including Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach and 'Black Sam' Bellamy, joined forces. This infamous 'Pirating Gang' was more than simply a thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the Old and New Worlds. Piracy flourished in the Caribbean because of the existence of pirate seaports such as Port Royal in Jamaica, Tortuga in Haiti, and Nassau in the Bahamas. Inspired by notions of self-government, they established a crude but distinctive form of democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which indentured servants were released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote. Scroll to the top of the page and click Add To Cart to read more about this extraordinary forgotten chapter of history

Highly illustrated with colour images and specially commissioned maps throughout, this is a unique exploration of the pirate world. Often romanticised in print and on the silver screen, real-life pirates were a brutal menace that plagued the high seas. In this book, Angus Konstam separates myth from reality, tracing the history of piracy through the centuries, from the pirates who plagued the Ancient Egyptians to the Viking raids and on to the era of privateers. He discusses the so-called 'Golden Age of Piracy' and colourful characters such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, before examining the West's initial encounters with Eastern pirates off the Chinese coast and the phenomenon of the modern pirate.

"A thorough, exciting examination of 18th-century pirate life,with wonderful details." --Publishers Weekly "Interesting and exciting . . . a thoroughly enjoyable chronicle of an interesting life and interesting era." --Booklist The definitive biography of history'smost fearsome and famous pirate Of all the colorful cutthroats who scoured the seas in search of plunder during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early eighteenth century, none was more ferocious or notorious than Blackbeard. As unforgettable as his savage career was, much of Blackbeard's life has been shrouded in mystery--until now. Drawing on vivid descriptions of Blackbeard's attacks from his rare surviving victims, pirate expert Angus Konstam traces Blackbeard's career from its beginnings to his final defeat in a tremendous sea battle near his base at Ocracoke Island. Presenting dramatic accounts of the pirate's very effective tactics and his reputation for cruelty, Konstam offers a fascinating examination of the life and business of piracy and the lure of this brutal and bloody trade.

A wonderful chronicle of thievery murder and torture on the high seas all in a beautiful oversized book