Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

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

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Pirates examines maritime piracy from the ancient world to today around the world. Divided into fourteen chapters the book begins with the pirate ship, then examines in chronological sequence the history of piracy. Several chapters cover related topics: weaponry, justice against pirates, safe havens, and myths, manners, and articles of agreement. Most of the infamous pirates can be found within these pages, as can those not so well known. A comprehensive index allows for easy access to specific information, and the table of contents is annotated so a quick glance allows readers to know what they’ll find in each chapter. Colorful maps, charts, and illustrations enhance the text.

Those who have Konstam’s earlier work, The History of Pirates, will find the information in this volume more detailed. While many books discuss the ships pirates used, few emphasize it by putting it first and none really show the evolution of vessels through history. Konstam does this in great detail and with vivid illustrations. One reason I particularly like this book is because it covers facets of piracy, such as Asian and medieval, often ignored in favor of Caribbean piracy.

I do have a few concerns about the information presented. Konhoji Angria was not an African Muslim. He was a member of the Maratha family. Stede Bonnet was hanged in December of 1718, rather than November with other members of his crew. Jean and Pierre Laffite did not operate a smithy. Jean did not acquire the house, known today as “Maison Rouge,” from Louis-Michel Aury. The Captain Johnson who wrote The General History of Pirates is not the Charles Johnson who penned the play, The Successful Pyrate.

Compared to the wealth of information contained in these pages, though, these are minor errors. Pirates is a worthy addition to any collection. The knowledge it contains provides readers with a well-rounded view of piracy through the ages. The only thing that would have made this even better is a bibliography or list of recommended resources for readers.
 
 

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Read Reviews of Other Books by Angus Konstam
Scourge of the Seas
Blackbeard
Spanish Galleon 1530-1690
The Pirate Ship 1660-1730

Book Review Copyright ©2008 Cindy Vallar

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Scourge of the Seas

Scourge of the Seas: Buccaneers, Pirates and Privateers
By Angus Konstam
Osprey, 2007, ISBN 978-1-84603-211-0, US $24.95; CAN $32.95

The “golden age” conjures up images that are more romantic than cruel. The pirates themselves never called the period thusly – writers adopted it much later, comparing these villains of all nations to swashbucklers. No one during the 17th and 18th centuries described them or their exploits as such. Within the pages of this book, Angus Konstam examines the real buccaneers, pirates, and privateers who sailed between 1620 and 1830.

Divided into three sections, the book begins with the buccaneers (1620-1700), concentrating on their victims, weaponry, tactics, commanders, the world in which they lived, and their demise. Konstam explains the background and reasons for the rise of these pirates in easy-to-understand terms. He also highlights several important battles, as well as introduces readers to important commanders (Myngs, Morgan, L’Olonnais, Le Chevalier, and de Graaf).

“Pirates 1660-1730” explores the differences that set these rogues apart from their predecessors, the buccaneers. Among the topics discussed are crews, warfare, havens, ships, codes, flags, and how nations brought the villains to justice. The pirates included in this section are Edward Teach, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Jack Rackham, Charles Vane, Henry Every, Stede Bonnet, William Kidd, and Bartholomew Roberts. Readers should know that contrary to the text, Bonnet was hanged in December 1718, not November. Many of his crew were executed then, but he escaped. One illustration in this section seems out of place, since neither Jean Laffite nor Robert Surcouf lived during this time period.

The final section concerns privateers and pirates who sailed from 1730 through 1830. Konstam examines the development of privateering, then looks at their organization and recruiting practices, how they waged war, their ships, ports and havens, and the anti-piracy campaign England and the United States waged in the 1820s. Among the noteworthy and infamous men highlighted here are Silas Talbot, John Paul Jones, Robert Surcouf, Thomas Boyle, Jean Laffite, Benito de Soto, and Pedro Gibert. I was disappointed with the information on Jean Laffite. Some details, which are myths, are presented as facts. Pierre, not Jean, died in Mexico.

Color illustrations, including some of Howard Pyle’s paintings, and maps help bring this era of maritime piracy to life. A glossary explains nautical terms, and a bibliography allows readers to explore this period further. There is also an extensive index. In spite of the minor problems already mentioned, Scourge of the Seas* is a worthy addition to any pirate library. It covers some topics often glossed over in other works and introduces readers to major players in each period.

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*This hardback edition is based on a three previously published Osprey books: Buccaneers 1620-1700, Pirates, 1660-1730, and Privateers and Pirates 1730-1830.

Book review copyrighted © 2007 Cindy Vallar

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Blackbeard

Blackbeard: America’s Most Notorious Pirate
by Angus Konstam
John Wiley & Sons, 2006, ISBN 047175885X, $24.95 / CAN$31.99 / £16.99

While other pirates have faded from memory, Blackbeard still conjures up vivid imagery of pirates terrorizing people and shipping for about two years in the early 18th century. This notorious pirate has been the subject of many books, but Konstam’s aim is to separate the man from the myth. He strives to understand why Blackbeard went from legal privateer to outlaw, why other pirates joined his crew, and why he met such a bloody end. The author intersperses the narrative with the basic fundamentals of piracy, as well as background and motivations of the other key players who crossed paths with Blackbeard from 1716 until his death in 1718. I enjoyed reading this book, but as a pirate historian I found myself wanting to pass over sections of text because I already knew the information contained there. I wanted to learn more about Blackbeard, but his story equates to only two or three chapters. I recommend Blackbeard to readers unfamiliar with the Golden Age of Piracy rather than those already familiar with Blackbeard and pirates in general.

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Learn more about Blackbeard

Originally reviewed for Historical Novel Reviews, November 2006
Book Review Copyright © 2006 Cindy Vallar

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Spanish Galleon 1530-1690

Spanish Galleon 1530-1690
by Angus Konstam
Osprey, 2004, ISBN 1-84176-637-2, US $15.95 / Can $22.95 / £9.50

When one thinks of the Spanish galleon, several images comes to mind – the Spanish Armada against England in the 17th century, pirates after gold and silver, and shipwrecks with sunken treasure. Thanks, in part, to Hollywood’s depiction of these vessels, which were vital to Spain’s maritime empire, romanticism often clouds the truth about the galleons. This book examines the real galleons and aims to answer some specific questions:

1. How did the design develop?
2. How were the galleons built?
3. What armament did they carry?
4. What was the flota system?
5. Who was aboard and where were their quarters?
6. What was it like to live aboard a galleon?
7. How did they perform as warships?

Spanish Galleon is a succinct explanation about the particulars of this vessel. The presentation is matter-of-fact, but never dry. Hidden amongst the pages are tidbits of information not often covered in other books. For example, did you know that a galleon’s guns were removed after a voyage was complete and stored in royal warehouses? Illustrations emphasize what the text covers, and the double-page spread of the galleon is a detailed look at its interior. The color plates make the galleon more realistic, and information about the depicted ships is provided at the end of the book. An excellent introduction to the Spanish galleon.

Book Review Copyright © 2006 Cindy Vallar

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