Pirates is a
compendium of the history of high seas villainy, and Travers focuses on
piracy
worldwide, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean to Asian waters.
Divided
into ten chapters, the book introduces readers to “The Pirate World,”
particularly that of the mid 17th through the early 18th
centuries. The author discusses democracy, Africans on pirate ships,
marooning,
women pirates, food and drink, swearing, treasure, weaponry, cruelty,
death and
repentance. The other chapters are presented in a more chronological
sequence:
- From
Classical to the Medieval Mediterranean
- Piracy
in the Northern World
- The
Elizabethan Sea Rovers and the Jacobean
Pirates
- Buccaneers
of the Caribbean
- The
Madagascar Men
- Death
to the Pirates
- The
Barbary Corsairs of North Africa
- Pirates
of the Eastern Seas
- The
Road to Modern Piracy
Throughout
the text, Travers incorporates primary quotations
to illustrate points where available. The epilogue sums up points of
comparison
throughout the history of piracy. Also included are a page of
definitions
explaining the differences between the various terms used to denote
pirates,
more than one hundred illustrations and maps, chapter notes, a
bibliography,
and an index.
Histories of piracy aren’t new, but what makes Pirates
stand out is how much
information is incorporated into 316 pages. It’s presented in an
easy-to-read
and easy-to-follow fashion, although the text is in small print. The
narrative
engages the reader and some illustrative quotes haven’t appeared in
other
books. Any reader in search of a thorough, but manageable history of
maritime
piracy will find Pirates a worthy
investment.
Review
Copyrighted ©2009
Cindy Vallar
Click on the Cannon to Contact Me
Pirates
and Privateers
