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The History of Maritime Piracy

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

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Welcome in many languages (Source:
                Canstockphoto.com)Cindy Vallar & friend

Welcome aboard Pirates and Privateers, a site devoted to the history of maritime piracy, privateering, and the sea before the Age of Steam.

Within these pages you will find articles dealing with the history and culture of these topics from ancient times to modern day. Click one of the links above or below to explore the treasures within this website.

Newest Article               Newest Book Reviews               Pirate Quote of the Month

News of Note               Events & Activities               Special Resources               The Rebel & the Spy

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                              with Cindy VallarGold and
                              Gunpowder Podcast with Cindy Vallar

Each month, I send out a newsletter about the latest article and reviews posted here. I also include information that doesn't appear at Pirates and Privateers, but is still of interest to adherents of piracy and maritime history. By subscribing to the newsletter, you'll never miss out on the latest happenings here at Pirates and Privateers.

As always, if you have a question about pirates, please write and ask. If there is a particular pirate or subject, you'd like me to write about, let me know.
One cautionary note for those seeking genealogical information: Historical records about pirates are rare. Much of what is known comes from government records, newspaper accounts, and the few contemporary accounts written during a particular period. This information rarely contains details pertinent to what you need to know to identify an ancestor. The simple fact is that the vast majority of pirates' names remain unknown. I cannot answer genealogical questions. Instead, I recommend contacting genealogical depositories and websites, historical societies, and national archives -- places where the librarians and curators are better trained to assist in this type of query.
A special note to teachers and students: If you need help with a project or report, please contact me. Should you use any of my articles or reviews, please let me know and remember to include the proper citation. The majority of material contained with this website is copyrighted.


Fair winds and following seas,
Cindy

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(site last updated 22 December 2023)


Pirate Quote of the Month
The numerous battles I have fought over the past several years give me the impression that the pirates always manage to sit on the heights waiting for us. Usually they hold on till evening, when our soldiers become tired. They then dash out. Or else, when we start to withdraw, they will catch us out of step to launch their counter attack. It seems that they always manage to send forth their units when they are fresh and spirited. They adorn their helmets with coloured strings and animal horns of metallic colours and ghostly shapes to frighten our soldiers. Many of them carry mirrors. Their spears and swords are polished to a shine and look dazzling under the sun. Our soldiers, therefore, are awed by them during the hours of delay before contact. – Qi Jiguang of Korea, 1555

Smiley AhoyDec. - Feb. ArticlesSmiley Ahoy Reading pirate smileyDec. - Feb. ReviewsReading pirate smiley
Samurai, Scholar, Poet, Prince, & Pirate

Toleration extends only so far. Those who refuse to kowtow must be dwelt with. With the death of Zheng Zhilong, the Qing had had enough. Now was the time to strike the fatal blow that would bring Koxinga into their fold. Destiny had other plans.



Transformation
A Family Affair

His childhood name suggested bright prospect for the Zheng house. His given name identified him as a model for the world. His behavior as a youth belied both those possibilities, yet he became a visionary and a compassionate, perceptive, and competent leader.
Pirates, Raiders & Invaders
of the Gulf Coast

by Ryan Starrett & Josh Foreman
History

Pirates of the Slave Trade
by Angela C. Sutton
History: Piracy

Dead Man's Chest
edited by
Russell K. Skowronek & Charles R. Ewen
Archaeology

Betrayal
by Julian Stockwin
Nautical Fiction


Caribbee
by Julian Stockwin

Nautical Fiction

The Private Misadventures of Nell Nobody
by Jennifer Newbold

Nautical Fiction

The Two Battles of Copehagen
1801 and 1807

by Gareth Glover
History: Navy

A True Account
by Katherine Howe
Historical Fiction: Pirates & Privateers
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Pirate & Maritime News
Events & Activities

Under
                                Construction Sig

Some pages remain in the old style, while others are in the new style. We apologize for this. After twenty-two years, there are many pages to overhaul and this takes time. We appreciate your understanding and patience.


Short Hiatus
Life often challenges us in unexpected ways. One such event necessitates that Pirates and Privateers takes a short holiday. We will return in March 2024, with new reviews and a new article. In the meantime, enjoy the latest book suggestions and the final chapters in A Family Affair.

Pirate Snowman
Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year!

Happy New
                                        Year!
Happy New Year







The Van de Velders
Greenwich, Art and the Sea
Through 14 January 2024
Queen's House
Greenwich, United Kingdom

Boarded!
30 December 2023
Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego, California

Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest in Concert

18 & 19 January 2024
Schmerhorn Symphony Center
Nashville, Tennessee

Children's Gasparilla Pirate Fest
20 January 2024
Tampa, Florida

Gasparilla Pirate Fest
27 January 2024
Tampa, Florida

Old City Pirate Fest
2-4 February 2024
St. Augustine, Florida

Pirates on the Prairie XI
3 February 2024
Uptown Theater
Grand Prairie, Texas

Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships
5-7 February 2024
MITAGS-Maritime Conference Center
Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Fort Pierce Seafood & Pirate Festival
10 & 11 February 2024
Fort Pierce, Florida

2024 Western Naval History Association
16-18 February 2024
USS Midway Museum
San Diego, California

Gasparilla Outbound Voyage
2 March 2024
Tampa, Florida

Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire & Pirate Fest
2-3 March 2024
Santa Rosa Fairgrounds
Milton, Florida

Pirate Fest LV
23-24 March 2024
Craig Ranch Park
Las Vegas, Nevada

Sail 250th New York
4 July 2026
New York City, New York


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Special Resources


The following pages and files contain travel adventures, photo galleries, resources,
and historical data pertaining to pirates, privateers, and maritime history.
I have gathered this information either while doing research or when traveling.

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Fun places for pirates in need of rest & relaxation

Pirate Adventures


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Photo Galleries

Before the Age of Sail

The Age of Sail

Wooden Sailing Ships


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Resources

Barbary Corsairs Resources

Canadian Piracy Resources

Modern Piracy Resources

Pirates & Death

Time Line of History


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Janes Madison, 1816, White House Collection
                      (Source:
                      https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:James_Madison.jpgJean LaffiteDolley
                      Madison by Gilbert Stuart, 1804 (Source:
                      https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolley_Madison_(cropped).jpg)General Andrew Jackson by John Wesley Jarvis,
                      circa 1819 (Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:General_Andrew_Jackson_MET_DT2851.jpg)William C. C. Claiborne, artist unknown, 19th
                      century (Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_C_C_Claiborne_rectangleLAState.jpg)

The Rebel & the Spy
These five people played roles in the War of 1812. James Madison (far left) was president at the time and, in my current work-in-progress, he has a special assignment for Lucas Burnett, one of the protagonists in the novel. Jean Laffite (beside Madison) operates a smuggling operation, based on barrier islands southwest of New Orleans. One of his captains, is Dominique You, whose sister Alexine has been raised in this nefarious world of smugglers, pirates, privateers, and cutthroats. Dolley Madison is the country's presidentress (first lady) and plays a vital role in preserving some of our national treasures during the British invasion of Washington City. General Andrew Jackson (second from right) has no intention of allowing the British to gain entry to the United States through its back door (the Mississippi). Governor William C. C. Claiborne (far right) is Lucas's cousin and a constant thorn in Laffite's side. They come together within the pages of The Rebel & the Spy, a historical novel where it's not always easy to decide who is the rebel and who is the spy.

The links below are to a gallery of places depicted in my novel and a resource list for those seeking information on the people pictured above, pirates, ships in the age of sail, the Battle of New Orleans, the invasion and burning of Washington, the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and much more. (Please note that these pages are updated from time to time, so check back to see what's been added.) I hope you enjoy.

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Pirates & Privateers Newsletter

Each month I alert readers to the posting of the latest piracy article and book reviews, new additions made to the website, and interesting maritime tidbits. If you would like to receive the monthly Pirates & Privateers Newsletter, complete the form below.

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Copyright ©2023
Cindy Vallar

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