Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

Cindy Vallar, Editor & Reviewer
P.O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

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Avast there! The Bookaneer sails the High Seas in search of books of interest to pirates young and old. Feel free to browse the titles or click on the links below to access specific sections.

A special note to authors, publicists, and editors
Almost two decades ago I began reviewing books for such publications as Appraisal: Science Books for Young People, The Book Report, Library Media Connection, and School Library Journal, and online for Ivy Quill Reviews and Simply E-Books. Today, I review historical novels and history books for Historical Novels Review and piratical and maritime books for Pirates and Privateers. If you would like me to review your latest pirate or maritime book, please contact me. ~ Cindy Vallar

Latest Reviews

The Pirate Queen by Susan Ronald
When Elizabeth ascended the throne on the death of her half-sister Bloody Mary, a bankrupt treasury, the King of Spain’s obsession with England, and religious strive threatened to bring about her downfall. With wily courage, the Virgin Queen enlisted the aid of her gentlemen adventurers to refill her coffers and protect the nation. In doing so, she laid the groundwork for building a British Empire.

Wolf of the Deep by Stephen Fox
During the American Civil War, one Confederate commerce raider wreaked such havoc on Northern shipping, that ship owners sold their vessels to foreign interests. Raphael Semmes wasn’t an imposing figure, but once he stepped aboard the CSS Alabama, he became so notorious that the Union considered him a pirate and the Confederacy deemed him a hero.

The Everything Pirates Book by Barb Karg & Arjean Spaite
Step inside the world of piracy from ancient times to present day. Aside from the usual suspects, you’ll learn about what pirates wore and discover the real treasures piracy bestowed on history.

Pirates of the East Coast of the Americas & the Caribbean Sea by Roy Metté
Harken back to days of yore when pirates sailed the Caribbean and listen to original songs of about them and their lives.

British Piracy in the Golden Age edited by Joel H. Baer
A four-volume set that reproduces original trial reports, documents, sermons, and publications concerning British pirates during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

A Sword for Pizarro by Tom Ryan
A marine archaeologist hunts for a golden sword lost when the 1715 treasure fleet sank. An egotistical developer wants to create a new development for the betterment of mankind. The impact of an asteroid threatens Florida with a devastating tsunami. Mix these elements together to create a thrilling adventure that pits an underdog against a despicable villain. Who will win in the final moments before Florida sinks beneath the waves?

Vampirates: Tide of Terror by Justin Somper
Book two in the continuing saga of the Tempest twins. Connor signs Molucco Wrathe’s articles, but the fatal consequences of an attack on a merchant ship and a visit to the Pirate Academy have Connor pondering the right course of action. Just as he’s about to make a decision, he discovers things aren’t what they seem. Will he choose the right path? While Grace strives to keep her brother safe from harm, she struggles with a growing need to return to the vampirates. But can she figure out how to do so before it’s too late to save her friends?
 
 

Additional Reviews

Books for Young Pirates

Books for Pirate Apprentices and Young Adults

Books for Adults - Fiction

Books for Adults - Nonfiction

Reviews

For Adults -- Fiction

Captain Sinister’s Lady by Darlene Marshall
Amanda Stephenson knows what she'll do once she arrives in Charleston, South Carolina. Those plans, however, do not include a privateer, Captain Sinister, who literally sweeps her off her feet. Before she knows it, she's beset by Sinister who's intent on wooing her, marooned on one of the Florida Keys, attacked by pirates, and hunted by the US Navy and Commodore Patterson.

Hawke by Ted Bell
Modern-day pirates play a pivotal role in this suspenseful swashbuckling tale of pirate treasure, bio-terrorists, a stealth sub, and a coup.

In the Time of Worms by Kenelm Winslow Harris
What if secret passages in your house led to underground tunnels swarming with pirates in search of buried treasure? This happens to Max Blessing, but his psychology training doesn't prepare him for what happens when he travels back in time. Not only must he fight the pirates, but also his own psyche.

Morevi by Lisa Lee and Tee Morris
A swashbuckling privateer from Tudor England and a warrior queen from a realm on the other side of The Rift team up to uncover intrigue and combat enemies in both worlds.

The Only Life That Mattered by James L Nelson
A novel of two of the most famous women pirates in history, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, and their captain, Calico Jack Rackham.

The Pirate Next Door by Jennifer Ashley
Alexandra never imagines what she becomes embroiled in when she saves her neighbor's life.  All she wants is a new husband, not a pirates!  A rousing adventure filled with romance and laughs.

The Pirate Round by James L. Nelson
This last volume of “The Brethren of the Coast” Trilogy finds Thomas and Elizabeth Marlowe at Madagascar, that notorious pirate haven of yore.

Pirates of Pensacola by Keith Thomson
A swashbuckling tale of modern-day pirates, cutlasses and a rum-loving parrot, a tattooed woman, a treasure map, a pirate feud akin to the Hatfields and McCoys, mercenaries, explosions, and the isles of the Caribbean.

The Redemption by M. L. Tyndall
Shipwrecked on a deserted island, Charlisse discovers that being a lady doesn't help her survive. When she stumbles into a pirate camp, Edmund vows to protect her. His promise becomes complicated when he discovers who Charlisse's father is -- his archenemy, Edward the Terrible.

For Adults -- History

The Barbary Wars by Frank Lambert
An account of how an upstart nation put an end to long-held tradition of countries paying tribute to the Barbary corsairs.

British Piracy in the Golden Age edited by Joel H. Baer
A four-volume set that reproduces original trial reports, documents, sermons, and publications concerning British pirates during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pirates by Gail Selinger
Explore the history of maritime piracy from ancient times to modern day.

Coxinga and the Fall of the Ming Dynasty by Jonathan Clements
How the son of a pirate defended the Ming Dynasty when the Manchus invaded China in the seventeenth century.

Dangerous Waters: Modern Piracy and Terror on the High Seas by John S. Burnett
Ten years ago John Burnett met several pirates face to face. His encounter left him his life, but also left traumatic scars. Not all seamen are as lucky as Mr. Burnett. Includes links to excerpt and online radio interview at KPCC’s AirTalk with Larry Mantle.

Drake: For God, Queen, and Plunder by Wade G. Dudley
Who was Sir Francis Drake? A heretic? A pirate? A national hero? This enjoyable biography looks at the man and the legend.

Empire of Blue Water by Stephan Talty
A history, rather than a biography, this book takes readers on a journey to meet the legendary Henry Morgan and learn what impact Spain’s New World treasures had on people and nations of the seventeenth century.

The Everything Pirates Book by Barb Karg & Arjean Spaite
Step inside the world of piracy from ancient times to present day. Aside from the usual suspects, you’ll learn about what pirates wore and discover the real treasures piracy bestowed on history.

Gentlemen’s Blood by Barbara Holland
For centuries the duel was a time-honored way for men to settle their differences, but if women dared to duel they were silly and spiteful. An entertaining look back at the history of dueling from its origins through the 20th century.

Granuaile by Anne Chambers
Learn the true story behind the "notorious woman in Ireland." Grace O'Malley devastated English shipping, fought for her traditional way of life, and met face-to-face with Queen Elizabeth I.

Guide to Pirate Parenting by Tim Bete
Raising your children to be pirates insures they'll have plenty of pirattitude. From mapping out the future to feeding your pirate to converting your minivan into a pirate schooner, this guide provides a humorous look into "growing" pirates.

The Global Schooner by Karl Heinz Marquardt
Culmination of twenty years of research on the origins, development, design and construction of schooners from 1695 to 1845.

If a Pirate I Must Be... by Richard Sanders
What did a sailor do when forced to join the pirates who captured his ship? John Roberts asked this question and decided if he was to be a pirate, he had no intention of settling for second place among the ranks of notorious pirates. He changed his name to Bartholomew Roberts and became one of the most feared and successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy.

The Maritime Heritage of the Cayman Islands by Roger C. Smith
Centuries before tourists came to the islands, pirates and seafarers visited the Caymans.  Today the area is rich in maritime history and shipwrecks.

Piracy, Maritime Terrorism and Securing the Malacca Straits edited by Graham Gerard Ong-Webb
An analysis of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Malacca Straits and efforts to combat these crimes. The essays, written by those study and are involved in the region and the fight, strive to show why difficulties exist in the cooperation between governments and to offer suggestions on how to overcome these problems to provide a united front against the criminals.

The Pirate Hunter: the True Story of Captain Kidd by Richard Zacks
Was William Kidd a blackhearted pirate? Or was he a respected mariner licensed to hunt pirates? Was he guilty of murder and piracy? Or was he the victim of circumstance and political maneuvering? Author Richard Zacks searches for truth amidst legend to ascertain the real Kidd and how he came to hang for murder and piracy.

Pirate Magazines
A look at No Quarter Given, Pirates Magazine, and The Pyrates Way -- for the pirate in all of us.

The Pirate Primer by George Choundas
Learn to speak like a pirate of yore with this in-depth primer. You'll never be at a loss of words.

The Pirate Ship 1660-1730 by Angus Konstam
While much is written about pirates and the pirate life, what about their ships? This book examines the pirate ships of 1660-1730 used during the Golden Age of Piracy.

The Pirate Soul by Pat Croce
An interactive journey for adults through the Golden Age of Piracy.

Pirates Aboard! by Klaus Hympendahl
Yacht owners once cruised the seven seas without the fear that pirates might attack. Such is no longer the case as the author proves in this book about forty recent pirate attacks around the world. He also provides suggestions on how yacht owners can lessen the chances of being attacked and what to do if they are.

Pirates and Buccaneers of the Atlantic Coast by Edward Rowe Snow
Entertaining accounts of pirates like Black Sam Bellamy, Thomas Tew, and Blackbeard.

Pirates in the Age of Sail by Robert J. Antony
From the West Indies to the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia, this book examines maritime piracy of the past and today. The author presents historical overviews for the different regions, then showcases primary documents dealing pirates. The final portion of the book includes essays by noted historians.

The Pirates Laffite by William C. Davis
Who were Jean and Pierre Laffite? Where did they come from? How did they gain prominence and become heroes? What happened to them after the Battle of New Orleans? How did they die? Davis answers these and other questions about these two historical enigmas.

Pirates of the East Coast of the Americas & the Caribbean Sea by Roy Metté
Harken back to days of yore when pirates sailed the Caribbean and listen to original songs of about them and their lives.

Real Canadian Pirates by Geordie Telfer
Some sea rogues came from Canada. Others visited Canada. Within these pages meet those entwined with this country's history.

The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
Some of the best-known pirates hunted the Caribbean during the early decades of the eighteenth century. Travel back in time to meet the likes of Blackbeard, Sam Bellamy, Charles Vane, and their cohorts, as well as Woodes Rogers -- the man who dared to bring law and order to the region.

The Sea Rover's Practice by Benerson Little
How did pirates, privateers, and buccaneers do what they did? This definitive manual explains the tactics and techniques sea rovers used from 1630 to 1730.

Skull & Saltire by Jim Hewitson
Scotland's ties to piracy date back to ancient times, be the stories of Scottish pirates or tales of pirates around Scotland. Real pirates presented many a problem, but three Scotsmen changed forever the image people conjure up when they think of pirates.

Villains of All Nations by Marcus Rediker
From 1716 to 1726 more pirates sailed the High Seas than at any other time. This book examines the key aspects relating to this decade of piracy.

X Marks the Spot edited by Russell K. Skowronek and Charles R. Ewen
While historical records abound on pirates, the reverse is true where archaeology is concerned. These essays explore the archaeological examinations of pirate lairs, pirate ships and their prey, and pirates in fact and fiction.

For Pirate Apprentices and Young Adults

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer
Mary has no idea what she's in for when disguises herself as Jack Farber, a young lad, who signs aboard the Royal Navy as a ship's boy. In her first encounter with pirates, she earns the nickname "Bloody Jack."

Capt. Hook by J. V. Hart
Meet the boy who became the notorious Captain Hook. He's not what you thought!

Ghost Ship by Dietlof Reiche
For as long as Vickie can remember the figurehead of the Storm Goddess has watched her whenever she's in her father's restaurant. A hanged man, a ghostly quartermaster, hidden treasure, and the mysterious appearance of an 18th-century sailing ship in a bay without water provide Vickie and her new friend with the perfect puzzle to solve during their summer vacation.

Dicovering Pirates by Richard Platt
Fascinating children's book that examines the world of buccaneers and Golden Age pirates.

Keeper of the Island by H. J. Ralles
Matt awakes aboard a seventeenth-century pirate ship, but without his friends. Can he escape the dastardly Captain Scarr? Will he find his computer in time to thwart the pirates? What do pyramids and a ghostly spirit have to do with treasure?

Lost Treasures of the Pirates of the Caribbean by James A. Owen and Jeremy Owen
Long-lost maps of pirate treasure are unearthed at an estate sale. Explore the maps, solve the riddle, and discover where the hidden treasure lies.

My Mom the Pirate by Jackie French
Parent-Teacher night is not one of Cecil's favorite events. He loves his mom, but she is a pirate and when riled, she tends to wield her cutlass and say scurvy things. Not exactly the best way to win points with the principal -- unless being a pirate is the only way to save a school full of children during a flood!

Nick of Time by Theodore Bell
Amidst German U-boats and villanous pirates, Nick McIver finds himself traveling through time to rescue his ancestor, a captain in Nelson's Navy, while Katie McIver outsmarts the Nazis.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Once upon a time a boy named Peter could fly, but how did he learn to do this?  How did the most fearsome pirate on the High Seas gain a hook for one hand?  From where did Tinkerbell come?  This book answers these questions and so much more.

Peter Raven under Fire by Michael Molloy
Midshipman Raven becomes embroiled with spies, pirates, and Napoleon Bonaparte in an attempt to thrwart a secret plot to make America a French nation. Not just for young adults and pirate apprentices.

Pirate by Richard Platt
From DK Publishing’s Eyewitness series, this book introduces readers to pirates throughout history using photographs of artifacts. Accompanied by wall chart and graphic CD.

Pirate Adventures by Russell Punter and illustrated by Christyan Fox
Three stories about pirates festering in a prison’s dungeon, competing for the coveted “Pirate of the Year” title,” and locating the villain who dared to steel a young girl’s sheep.

Pirate Diary by Richard Platt
Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for outstanding illustrations, this diary recounts the adventures, and misadventures, of Jake Carpenter, a nine-year-old lad captured by pirates on his first sea voyage.

Pirate Ship by Jean Coppendale
Explore the inside of a ship while learning about pirates in this hands-on, interactive, three-dimensional pirate ship complete with press-out models and collectible figures.

Pirate’s Handbook: Be the Best Buccaneer on the Seven Seas by Captain Indigo Stormface (aka Sam Taplin) and illustrated by Neddy “Fingers” Sharktooth (aka Ian McNee)
This handy guidebook shows pirate apprentices what it takes to be a pirate and what a pirate does in five easy chapters filled with lots of color illustrations.

Pirates by John Matthews
Explore the history, lives, and myths of pirates in full color.  See what booty awaits inside this hard-cover book with a gold tooth and ruby eye.

Pirates (series) by Susan and John Hamilton
A new reference set of eight books explores the world of pirates from their history to pirates in the media. Four titles are biographies of notorious pirates.

Pirates, Ships, and Sailors by Kathryn and Byron Jackson, illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren
Explore this treasure of twenty-four tales and poems first published as a Golden Book in 1950.

Pirates of the North Carolina Coast by Jack E. Fryar, Jr.
From Richard Worley and Edward Low to Charles Vane and Blackbeard, meet the dastardly rogues who plagued the North Carolina Coast during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Polly and the Pirates by Ted Naifeh
Meg Malloy's pirate crew accidently loses the map to her treasure. Only one person can help them find the booty -- Polly, who doesn't know she's the pirate queen's daughter.

See-Through Pirates by Kelly Davis
Go behind the scenes to view the lives of pirates through colorful see-through pages.

Violet and the Mean and Rotten Pirates by Richard Hamilton
Pirates adopt a baby and raise her to be just like them--mean and rotten. A delightful story that makes readers of all ages laugh.

Vampirates by Justin Somper
A storm at sea separates twins Grace and Connor Tempest. Pirates rescue Connor, but Grace is saved by the Vampirates.

Voyage of Plunder by Michele Torrey
When Daniel Markham sets sail with his family for their new home in Jamaica, he never dreams he will cross paths with pirates or that they will make him face truths about himself and his past that he'd rather not know.

For Young Pirates

1001 Pirate Things to Spot by Rob Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Teri Gower
How many things can you find in these scenes from a pirate’s life? Watch out for ghosts, monsters of the deep, pirate school, a sea battle, and more as you search for treasure!

Fluffy: Scourge of the Sea by Teresa Bateman
What's a pampered poodle to do when beset by pirates?

Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi
Henry, son of the most notorious buccaneer bunny that sails the seas, would rather read than follow in his father’s footsteps.  One never knows when books might just save a life, especially a pirate’s.

I Love My Pirate Papa by Laura Leuck and illustrated by Kyle M. Stone
What would life be like if your dad was a pirate?

Inside Jolly Roger’s Pirate Ship by Charles E. Reasoner
Peek inside and outside this scurvy pirate ship crewed by mice. No cats allowed!

A Li’l Pirate’s ABSeas by John “Ol’ Chumbucket” Baur and Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers
Illustrated by Jonathan “Pilferin’ Pooter” Cooke
A coloring book that teaches pirate life and attitude.

The Night Pirates by Peter Harris and illustrated by Deborah Allwright
What happens when Tom joins a band of pirates in search of treasure after they steal the front of his house?

Pirate Pete's Giant Adventure by Kim Kennedy and illustrated by Doug Kennedy
The Sea-Fairy will grant Pirate Pete's wish on one condition -- he must find and return the Sea-Fairy Sapphire. Thunder leads to the treasure, but also to danger.

Pirates Don’t Change Diapers by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon
Jeremy Jacob returns with a new pirate adventure -- this one involving his baby sister and the buried treasure in his backyard. What happens when the pirates return to claim it?

Port Side Pirates! by Oscar Seaworthy and illustrated by Debbie Harter with musical arrangements by Mark Collins
In the style of sea chanteys of old, this book and CD allows young pirates to explore the world of pirates through words, pictures, and music.

See Inside Pirate Ships by Rob Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Jörg Mühle
Discover what goes on aboard pirate ships from the Caribbean to Asia waters through words and pictures. Explore the "trap doors" to learn more secrets.
 

© 2002-2007 Cindy Vallar

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