Pirates & Privateers: BD Luke's Books

Being fourteen and a pirate can be lonely, and sometimes intimidating, when his fellow mates are all adults, but Ned Miggs has no regrets. Life in the Royal Navy wasn’t what he expected so he deserted to begin life anew aboard a pirate ship. Now, he has a voice and can climb through the ranks, perhaps even become a captain just like Sam Bellamy.

One day, the pirates come upon new prey. Among those taken captive is a young lad named John King. John is determined to become a pirate and won’t take no for an answer. He pesters Captain Bellamy until he relents, allowing John to join the crew of the Whydah. The decision finally gives Ned what he’s always wanted – a friend.

Written as a diary that includes occasional illustrations, Ned provides fast-paced entries that tell of daily life aboard a pirate ship. His many adventures include an incident with a scorpion, a visit to Nassau, Bellamy’s capture of the Whydah, theft and marooning, weapons training, and a mock trial. Along the way he meets pirates who hunted with Bellamy and his men in real life, including John King (the youngest known pirate), Olivier Levasseur (better known as the Buzzard), John Julian (Bellamy’s pilot), and Edward Thache (the infamous Blackbeard). The diary’s first entry is dated 5 November 1716; the last is written on 26 April 1717 shortly before Whydah sinks during a nor’easter.

In spite of a few minor formatting issues and ship names that are never italicized, this is an intriguing depiction of pirate life and how John King convinced Bellamy to allow him to join his crew. The afterword explains what happened during the storm and who survived the sinking. Luke includes a glossary for readers unfamiliar with nautical words and a bibliography* for those who wish to delve deeper into pirate history.

Diary entries are entertaining and compelling. Although written for children, even adults will enjoy this voyage. Ned’s Diary serves as a fine introduction to the good and bad of pirate life, and the final entry rings true-to-life since it occurs on the day the Whydah sank.