Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

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

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What is a pirate without a ship? The pirate ship is the quintessential tool for anyone who wishes to plunder the high seas. Within the pages of this book, Angus Konstam examines the pirate ship of yore, specifically those of the Golden Age of Piracy.

A seaworthy ship was of primary importance to pirates, but they couldn’t just commission one to be built. Instead, they had to steal them as they did treasure. Although Hollywood would have us believe that pirates sailed aboard large, heavily armed ships, a warship like Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge was a rarity. Instead pirates favored smaller, faster ships with shallow drafts that allowed them to swoop down on their prey before it escaped or to evade pirate hunters whose ships dared not venture into hidden coves. Sometimes pirates used schooners, but pinnaces, sloops, and brigantines were preferred. Once a prize was taken, pirates converted it to fit their needs. They knocked down bulkheads. They made the deck flush and cut additional gun ports to accommodate a greater number of guns with which to attack future prey.

Within the pages of this book, Konstam provides a comprehensive introduction to this oft-neglected aspect of piracy. Using primary and secondary source materials, he discusses the designs and origins of these ships, how the pirates converted merchant ships to fit their needs, what ships they favored, and how they used the ships in action.

The illustrations provide the reader with clear examples of what pirate ships looked like and how one type differed from another. A glossary explains sailing terms and the bibliography leads readers to books with more in-depth information on wooden sailing ships, piracy, and seafaring life. The Pirate Ship is an excellent first resource for anyone who wants to learn about pirate ships. This title is a welcome addition from Osprey and upholds this publisher’s reputation for providing comprehensive books that are easy to read and understand at reasonable prices.

Book Review Copyright ©2002 Cindy Vallar

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