“Pirate”
is a word that conjures up romantic images of sea
robbers, yet our imaginings are far different from the
real pirates who have prowled the seas during the past
500 years. Even some of the activities we associate with
these marauders are merely fictional devices used to
tantalize and intrigue. Although piracy has been around
from time immemorial, this historical overview begins in
the 1400s and goes through modern times. It also
separates reality from fantasy.
The introduction defines who and what piracy is, as well
as showing that one country’s pirates might be another’s
privateers. The journey begins with early pirates of the
Spanish Main, such as Jean Florin and his capture of
three treasure ships laden with spoils taken by Hernan
Cortes in his conquest of the Aztecs. The authors define
“Spanish Main,” describe the different ships, and
explain Spain’s flota system. Among the marauders of
this period are Francis Drake, François le Clerk,
Christopher Myngs, Henry Morgan, Alexandre Exquemelin,
Montbars of Languedoc, and William Dampier. Political
changes, tactics, collaborators, and pirate havens are
also discussed.
The next stop is the Barbary Coast and the
Mediterranean, where raiding between Muslim and
Christian pirates spanned four centuries. Aside from
comparing the differences between these two factions,
the authors also talk about slavery and how corsairing
in North Africa changed with the influx of European
renegades. Some of the men found here are the Barbarossa
brothers, Henry Mainwaring, John Ward, Simon Danziger,
and Murad Rais.
As trade expanded and colonial empires spread, the East
Indies drew not only commercial ventures but also
European pirates to the Indian Ocean, who used
Madagascar as their base of operations. The third
chapter looks at indigenous pirates, including the
so-called Angrian pirates, as well as Adam Baldridge,
Thomas Tew, Henry Avery, and William Kidd.
The greatest influx of pirates came with the cessation
of hostilities during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Piracy returned to the Caribbean and New Providence
became the go-to haven for people like Benjamin
Hornigold, Samuel Bellamy, Charles Vane, Blackbeard,
Calico Jack, Mary Read, and Anne Bonny. The Golden Age
ebbed once Woodes Rogers became the governor of the
Bahamas and began to suppress the pirates.
From there, the authors take readers east to Asian
waters. Initially sea robberies were conducted by
indigenous people, like Ching-Chi-Ling and his son
Koxinga, Ching Yih and his wife, and Kwo Po Tai, as well
as Balaninis, Ilanuns, Bugis, and Dayaks. Into this mix
came Europeans, some who were pirates and some who
became captives, such as Thomas Cavendish, John Turner,
and Richard Glasspoole. Others, like James Brooke,
strove to curb piracy. This chapter also looks at the
uptick in piracy during the 1980s and 1990s, and the
problems encountered in trying to define sea marauding
in this region.
The sixth chapter steps away from historical pirates to
examine fictional ones and how their portrayals have
changed over the years. Pirate tropes are discussed, as
is the introduction of piracy into children’s books.
Among the writers found here are Miguel de Cervantes,
Alexandre Exquemelin, Captain Johnson, Lord Byron, and
Daniel Defoe. Hollywood’s depictions from The Black
Pirate to the Pirates of the Caribbean series are
also covered.
The final chapter examines modern piracy. It compares
and contrasts pirates of today and their tactics with
those of the past. How nations combat piracy and the
various hot spots are also discussed.
The book concludes with A Pirate’s Who’s Who, a list of
other books to read that is divided into general and
subject specific volumes, and an index. The narrative is
enhanced throughout with beautiful artwork from each
period, much of it in color.
Originally published as a companion to a 1992 exhibition
at the National Maritime Museum, this new edition has
been revised and expanded. The material is better
interwoven for a smoother flow, rather than being
interrupted with boxed highlights or scattered
throughout as it was in the original edition. Period
quotes and historical background orient the readers,
giving them a sound framework in which to understand why
piracy developed in specific places at specific times.
The authors, both of whom worked on the original
exhibition, have written an excellent overview of piracy
through the years, and the changes made make this new
volume even better than the first.
For any reader seeking an excellent introduction to
pirates and their history, Pirates: Fact &
Fiction is an awesome starting point. The
illustrations are superb and do a wonderful job
tantalizing us with artifacts and stirring our
imaginations. Even if you own the original edition, you
will want to add this new one to your collection.
Review
Copyrighted
©2021 Cindy Vallar
Click
on the Cannon to Contact Me
Pirates and
Privateers
