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

Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate by Adrienne Kress
No longer able to attend any school in the city, Timothy makes the acquaintance of Mr. Shen and Sir Bazalgette Bazalgette, which leads Timothy Freshwater on a serpentine adventure involving a dragon, a golden key, a ninja, and a pirate fleet.

Pirates: Scourge of the Sea by John Reeve Carpenter
Explore the world of the Caribbean pirates.

Documentation of the Indians of the Florida Keys & Miami 1513-1765 by Gail Swanson
This chronology of primary documents pirate activities around the Florida Keys and southern Florida.

The Enduring Journey of the USS Chesapeake by Chris Dickon
What happened to this vessel, one of the six original frigates built for the fledgling American nation?
 
 

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

Buccaneer by Tim Severin
Having escaped from the Barbary Corsairs, Hector Lynch and friends venture into the realm of the Buccaneers, where they meet a who’s who of these seventeenth century pirates as they risk their lives to plunder gold. The Spaniards aren’t the only enemy Hector faces either.

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.

Pirate Code by Helen Hollick
Jesamiah Acorne has no intention of allowing Tiola to be flogged just because her husband is embarrassed by their affair. Intervention proves more difficult than expected since Jesamiah is in jail. The only way this reformed pirate can get out is to agree to help Henry Jennings and Woodes Rogers in their scheme to aid the rebels on a nearby Spanish island – the last place Jesamiah wants to visit. But Commodore Vernon’s intention of seizing the Sea Witch for himself changes Jesamiah’s mind. Will he escape the hangman’s noose, or worse? Will Tiola finally be free of her unloved husband? Or will the spirits of the Otherworld succeed in reclaiming Jesamiah for themselves?

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 Rebel by Elizabeth Peirce
What led Ned Jordan to commit piracy? This historical novel recounts the tragic tale of the real man who seized command of the Three Sisters in Canadian waters in 1809.

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.

Pirates' Pay by Stan Bailey
A woman, suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury, washes ashore with no memory. After the U. S. Coast Guard rescues her, their investigation soon reveals that pirates are behind what happened to her and the dead man that lay near her on the beach.

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.

Sandokan: The Pirates of Malaysia by Emilio Salgari
When a ship wrecks on the coast of Borneo, the Tigers of Mompracem bring the survivors back to their safe haven. One look at the Guardian of the Temple of the East, and Sandokan immediately agrees to rescue her betrothed, for the Guardian resembles Sandokan’s cherished wife. Accomplishing this feat is fraught with danger, for the Guardian’s betrothed is imprisoned on Sarawak where “The Exterminator” rules. Will Sandokan survive the traps his nemesis has set?

Sandokan: The Tigers of Mompracem by Emilio Salgari
Sandokan, leader of the pirate band known as the Tigers of Mompracem, desires a treasure he has only heard of – the Pearl of Labuan. His attempt to possess this treasure ends in failure and near death, but in his fevered state, Sandokan finds shelter in the arms of whom his heart most desires. But his true identity is soon discovered, and he must escape or die. Can he rescue the Pearl of Labuan as he promises?

Sea Robber by Tim Severin
The third installment of the Hector Lynch, Pirate series, finds the four friends forced to rejoin the buccaneers. Their adventures take them to the South Seas and exotic lands on the other side of the world, as they search for the young Spanish woman who saved Hector’s life.

Silver by Edward Chupack
Who is Long John Silver? On his final voyage, he shares his life story, secret codes, and a search for untold treasure. (Special note: After the review read Ed's article about how he came to write the book.)

For Adults -- Nonfiction

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.

Bizarro Buccaneers by Dan Piraro
A collection of Bizaro comics devoted just to pirates.

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.

Contemporary Maritime Piracy in Southeast Asia by Adam J. Young
Asian piracy differs greatly from western piracy. This book explains the modern-day problem of maritime piracy in Southeast Asia by looking at its history and causes to suggest remedies.

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 Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate by Kevin Duffus
Join the author on his quest to unearth the truth about the most notorious pirate 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: The Complete History by Angus Konstam
Explore the history of piracy from ancient times through present day.

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 Round by Richard Rutherford-Moore
How did the pirates get there? Learn about navigation during the Golden Age of Piracy.

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.

Pirates, Jack Tar, and Memory edited by Paul A. Gilje and William Pencak
These essays explore new research into the elusive common seaman in the 18th century.

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.

Raising Black Flags edited by Stephen Sanders
A new anthology of poems and artwork devoted to pirates, the sea, and sirens.

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.

The Way of the Ship by Alex Roland, W. Jeffrey Bolster, and Alexander Keyssar
Learn about America’s maritime history from its earliest period into the present day. This book shows how it changed over time, and shows it from both from a global perspective as well as an internal one.

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!

Captured by Pirates by Justine and Ron Fontes, illustrated by David Witt
You star in this “Twisted Journey” adventure involving pirates, mutiny, and danger. Will you survive the journey?

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.

Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson
Stir together a pirate ship and crew, one Scottish captain with a troublesome, teenage daughter, and an injured young man with no memory. Sprinkle with nasty buccaneers, the Royal Navy, and a monk with a map, and a Frenchman who specializes in things that go boom. Ice it with a treacherous place called the “Isle of Swords” where danger and treasure await.

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 Ted 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. (Note: New illustrated edition)

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.

Uncle Pirate by Douglas Rees and illustrated by Tony Auth
Bad News Pie can only mean one thing, which Wilson doesn't really want to tell his mother that he broke another pair of glasses. No sooner does Mom reveal her news, but Wilson's long-lost uncle and his penguin show up. That's when the adventures begin.

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.

Will of the Pirates by Scott Mitchen
Being a cabin boy isn't as adventurous as Will Davies expected until he overhears something he shouldn't and he finds a secret map that pirates are searching for.
 
 

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!

The Castaway Pirates by Ray Marshall and illustrated by Wilson Swain
Bad luck, sharp teeth, and stinky toes. What's a pirate to do?

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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