Subjects and sovereigns -- The claims of religion -- The age of piracy -- The Ottoman Mediterranean -- The pursuit of justice -- At the Tribunale -- The turn toward Rome.

The stirring story of the seventeenth-century pirates of the Mediterranean-the forerunners of today's bandits of the seas-and how their conquests shaped the clash between Christianity and Islam. It's easy to think of piracy as a romantic way of life long gone-if not for today's frightening headlines of robbery and kidnapping on the high seas. Pirates have existed since the invention of commerce itself, but they reached the zenith of their power during the 1600s, when the Mediterranean was the crossroads of the world and pirates were the scourge of Europe and the glory of Islam. They attacked ships, enslaved crews, plundered cargoes, enraged governments, and swayed empires, wreaking havoc from Gibraltar to the Holy Land and beyond. Historian and author Adrian Tinniswood brings alive this dynamic chapter in history, where clashes between pirates of the East-Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli-and governments of the West-England, France, Spain, and Venice-grew increasingly intense and dangerous. In vivid detail, Tinniswood recounts the brutal struggles, glorious triumphs, and enduring personalities of the pirates of the Barbary Coast, and how their maneuverings between the Muslim empires and Christian Europe shed light on the religious and moral battles that still rage today. As Tinniswood notes in Pirates of Barbary, "Pirates are history." In this fascinating and entertaining book, he reveals that the history of piracy is also the history that shaped our modern world.

In 'The Pirate of the Mediterranean: A Tale of the Sea' by William Henry Giles Kingston, readers are taken on a thrilling adventure through the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean. Kingston's vivid descriptions and detailed nautical knowledge make this book a gripping maritime tale that is sure to captivate readers. The story is filled with action-packed scenes of pirate raids and daring sea battles, set against the backdrop of the vast and tumultuous Mediterranean Sea. Kingston's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the world of piracy and adventure on the high seas. This book is a classic example of 19th century naval fiction, showcasing the author's expertise in maritime lore and his talent for crafting exciting narratives. Fans of historical fiction and seafaring adventures will find 'The Pirate of the Mediterranean' to be a compelling and thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The Pirate of the Mediterranean by W.H.G. Kingston is an adventurous maritime novel set against the vibrant backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The story follows a brave and resourceful protagonist who becomes deeply involved in the world of piracy. The protagonist, driven by a quest for heroism and adventure, finds himself embroiled in the thrilling and perilous life of pirates. The novel is rich in action, showcasing dramatic sea battles, daring escapes, and intense confrontations with pirate foes. The narrative is propelled by high-stakes adventure, with the hero undertaking daring exploits and overcoming formidable challenges and the story centers on the life of pirates, exploring their activities and influence in the Mediterranean region. The novel is set in a historical context, offering a detailed depiction of the Mediterranean's maritime culture and political climate. The pursuit of treasure is a key element, with the search for or discovery of valuable riches adding excitement and motivation to the plot. The novel emphasizes character development, focusing on the growth and experiences of the protagonist as he faces numerous challenges. The Pirate of the Mediterranean combines thrilling maritime adventures with themes of heroism, piracy, and treasure.

The 1570s marked the beginning of an age of pervasive piracy in the Mediterranean that persisted into the eighteenth century. Nowhere was more inviting to pirates than the Ottoman-dominated eastern Mediterranean. In this bustling maritime ecosystem, weak imperial defenses and permissive politics made piracy possible, while robust trade made it profitable. By 1700, the limits of the Ottoman Mediterranean were defined not by Ottoman territorial sovereignty or naval supremacy, but by the reach of imperial law, which had been indelibly shaped by the challenge of piracy. Piracy and Law in the Ottoman Mediterranean is the first book to examine Mediterranean piracy from the Ottoman perspective, focusing on the administrators and diplomats, jurists and victims who had to contend most with maritime violence. Pirates churned up a sea of paper in their wake: letters, petitions, court documents, legal opinions, ambassadorial reports, travel accounts, captivity narratives, and vast numbers of decrees attest to their impact on lives and livelihoods. Joshua M. White plumbs the depths of these uncharted, frequently uncatalogued waters, revealing how piracy shaped both the Ottoman legal space and the contours of the Mediterranean world.