Pirates and Privateers

Any examination of the colonies’ war for independence usually focuses on the land battles. Although the naval war, at least as regards the Continental Navy, is negligible, it is an important aspect of the conflict that should not be overlooked. Konstam attempts to examine this aspect since both sides were dependent on the sea for supplies and reinforcements, as well as maritime commerce. This vulnerability gave rise to privateers, privately armed ships that preyed on enemy shipping.

Since the Continental Congress lacked sufficient funds and vessels to create a full-fledged navy, especially one that could match the manpower and armament of the Royal Navy, individual colonies and Congress relied on private citizens willing to risk their lives and fortunes to acquire, man, and arm a maritime fleet to strike at the enemy. In exchange for this private funding, both colonial governments and Congress granted these vessels licenses called “letters of marque” to go on legal “pirating” ventures. In return, the governments asked for a portion of the proceeds garnered from whatever prizes were brought back and declared legitimate. Nor was this solely an American practice. Loyalists in the colonies and Canada, as well as England itself, participated in such cruises.

The word “privateer” can refer to a ship, her captain, or her crew. In the case of this book, it is the first definition that is the principal concern here. This isn’t necessarily evident from the table of contents: Design and Development (design and shipbuilding, vessel types and rigs, and purpose-built privateer); Business of Privateering (owners and captains; letters of marque and instructions); Life on Board; and Privateers in Action. Only in reading the narrative and viewing the illustrations is this fact made abundantly clear.

In combination with an introduction, a background summary, a bibliography, and an index, volume #279 of Osprey’s New Vanguard series serves as an introduction to privateering ships of this period. The majority of illustrations pertain to the vessels and the original artwork depicts side views of a number of privateers: Tyrannicide, Hope, Rhodes, King George, Fair American, Washington, Mohawk, Berbice, and General Pickering. There is also a two-page spread showing a cutaway view of Rattlesnake, as well as one of Saucy Jack in action against HMS Observer. The artwork is a vital part of this work and, when combined with the captions, provides glimpses into the compelling world of privateering.

The narrative itself is a somewhat dry recitation of facts and figures that merely skim the surface of the Revolution’s privateering history. Individuals are mentioned, but the text doesn’t go into any great detail on the daring escapades of the more legendary men. One such example mentions Captain Jonathan Haraden who captures the Golden Eagle after threatening to deliver a broadside at night if she doesn’t surrender. There is more to the story than these simple facts, but rather than treat readers to the whole story, only a few facts are shared. Although some attempt is made to explain nautical vocabulary, readers with more than a rudimentary knowledge of ships and sailing will better comprehend what is discussed. For those seeking the adventure and dangers associated with privateering, you might want to look elsewhere. For readers seeking knowledge about privateering ships, this serves as a good introduction to the topic.

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Review Copyright ©2020 Cindy Vallar

They are often called “pirates,” but for almost 300 years, the marauders hailing from the northern coast of Africa were privateers and the Italians, French, and Spanish referred to them as “corsairs.” Their havens were situated on the Barbary Coast, and their plunder, the most prized of which were slaves, was sold in the markets of Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco. Their raids took them from Greece and other Mediterranean shores to West Africa and the British Isles, and as far as Iceland. The majority of these city-states owed their allegiance to the Ottoman Empire, but Morocco remained independent. In the pages of this entry in Osprey’s Elite series, Konstam focuses on these marauders from the 15th century through the middle of the 17th when European nations implemented naval and diplomatic strategies to curb the most egregious of their corsairing raids.

The 1500s saw the zenith of the Barbary corsairs, and when the century began, Christians and Muslims have been fighting a “Holy War” for nigh on eight centuries. But the rulers of Africa’s northern shores aren’t the only marauders. Christian privateers, such as the Knights of Malta, also prowled the seas and, therefore, Konstam uses “Barbary corsair” to denote pirates from both sides, although the majority of the text and pictures focus on those of the Barbary Coast. He also explains why he chooses to call them “pirates,” rather than “privateers” or “corsairs.”

After a brief introduction and explanation of nomenclature, the book presents an overview of the history of the region and the Hafsid and Marinid dynasties that ruled prior to the upswing in privateering. From there Konstam discusses the first corsairs, including Kemal Reis and the Barbarossa brothers. Other sections examine the region’s geography, individual Barbary states, corsairing vessels, the pirates’ chains of command, the division of plunder, the crews, their tactics, and where they hunted. Throughout the narrative we meet specific Barbary pirates; in addition to the three already mentioned, we are introduced to Turgut Reis; Murad Reis (also known as Jan Janszoon) who raided Baltimore, Ireland in 1630 and founded the Republic of Salé (pirate haven); and John Ward.

The entire 64-page book is illustrated with contemporary illustrations and maps, as well as full-color artwork by Gerry Embleton, who adeptly brings to life the pirates and their vessels (galley, galiot, polacca, tartan, xebec, and barca longas). Not only are these renderings illustrative of fine detail but they also vividly depict moments in corsair history, such as the c. 1480 raid on Corsica, a battle against a Venetian galley (c. 1540), and Turgut Reis at the 1538 Battle of Preveza. In addition, the book includes a chronology for events occurring between 1450 and 1660, a reading list, and an index.

Anyone familiar with Osprey’s series know that the books provide a succinct and detail-oriented summary of the history and people involved in the military subjects being discussed. The Barbary Pirates continues this tradition, introducing readers to a topic that often doesn’t get the same level of attention in pirate history as other periods do. Equally important is that while Konstam concentrates on the marauders of the Barbary States, he also incorporates information about the Christian privateers, including the differences between how the two sides treated their galley slaves – the men forced to row their ships into battle. This volume provides anyone seeking information on the Barbary corsairs with a good introduction.

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Meet the illustrator

Review Copyright ©2019 Cindy Vallar

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.

Meet the author

Originally reviewed for Historical Novel Reviews, November 2006

Review Copyright © 2006 Cindy Vallar

Blackbeard’s Last Fight: Pirate Hunting in North Carolina 1718
by Angus Konstam
Illustrations by Mark Stacey and Johnny Shumate
Osprey, 2012, ISBN 978-1-78096-195-8, US $18.95 / UK £11.99 / CAN $19.95
Also available in other formats

In the introduction, Konstam explains why Blackbeard becomes the most notorious of the pirates who live during the most prolific piracy period in history, the early 18th century. His attack on the port of Charles Town (Charleston), South Carolina raises the stakes and eventually leads Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia to take action against this most fearsome pirate. Readers learn how Blackbeard becomes a pirate, particularly following the War of the Spanish Succession and the sinking of Spain’s treasure fleet in 1715, and his early years in the sweet trade. The main focus comes after he acquires the French slaver he christens Queen Anne’s Revenge and his time in North Carolina.

Next, Konstam looks at how the British government tries to counter piracy, Maynard’s attack at the battle of Ocracoke Island, and Captain Brand’s land expedition to Bath Town, which is originally intended to trap Blackbeard in a bottleneck to prevent his escape. The aftermath discusses the trial and punishment of the pirates and analyzes the raid. The narrative ends with a brief account of Stede Bonnet’s last days, the effect of the government’s policies on piracy, and the publication of Captain Charles Johnson’s A General History of Pyrates.

Quotations from firsthand sources are interspersed throughout the narrative. Aside from the maps and colorful artwork that accompany each page, there are chevrons in the margins pinpointing key historical events. A two-page spread of the Battle of Ocracoke provides a blow-by-blow recap of events between 7:00 and 9:05 a.m. on 22 November 1718. A bibliography and index are included.

While there are numerous volumes on Blackbeard, this one focuses primarily on the last days of his life and the raid that brings about his demise. It provides readers with an excellent summary of what happens, as well as an overview of the golden age of piracy and how the pirates are defeated.

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Review Copyright © 2013 Cindy Vallar

In September 1797, the crew of the Royal Navy’s frigate Hermione revolted against their captain. This crime was so heinous that even two years later efforts were launched to bring the entire crew to trial and hang those found guilty. Another plan was formed to vanquish the foul deed of the mutineers giving the ship to Britain’s Spanish enemies.

The author’s description of the events reads like a novel, one that will seem far-fetched to most readers and is reminiscent of C. S. Forester or Patrick O’Brian. To his credit, Angus Kostam writes this text as if it were, in fact, fiction. In real time, the telling of the incidents, which led the crew to mutiny, and the description of the mutiny itself, is both exciting and appalling.

Before beginning the tale, he describes frigates and their importance to the navy and war effort. The status of the French Revolutionary War in the Caribbean is detailed. The service history of Captain Hugh Pigot and the activities involving the ship and her crew before he was appointed to command her are also told.

The ship was known to be a “happy ship.” The previous commander had rarely ordered a flogging and knew his crew to be loyal and well-trained. That changed when Pigot came aboard. In an era when there were rigid social classes, his family’s standing as an aristocrat made it easy for him to look down upon his crew and attach less value to their lives. He used brutal discipline to control them, exceeding the norms for the number of flogging episodes and of strokes doled out each time. An incident between Midshipman Casey and the captain resulted in Pigot ordering Casey to kneel and beg his pardon, which Casey refused to do. The enraged captain ordered Casey seized-up and given a dozen lashes. Then Casey was demoted to ordinary sailor. With the crew already unhappy, tensions ran higher. One more incident could push them past their breaking point.

Men were aloft taking in sails when threats by Pigot caused three men to hurry, which ended in tragedy. Rather than showing concern he showed contempt. Groups of sailors started discussing mutiny. The next night, at 11:00 p.m., men armed with swords rushed the captain’s cabin. The mutiny had begun. Hermione sailed to La Guaira in modern-day Venezuela. The Spanish authorities were happy to accept the frigate without asking many questions.

It was not long before the Royal Navy learned of the mutiny and pledged to bring all the mutineers to trial and reclaim their ship. As men were spotted in places around the world, the bulk of them were transported home and court-martialed in Portsmouth. Over a year later, Hermione had been moved west to Puerto Cabello and remained ready to sail with her Spanish crew aboard. Before she could leave, Admiral Parker sent a frigate captain to the area with orders to recapture the ship.

The “cutting out” of Hermione is one of the most daring episodes in the Age of Sail. Konstam explores this in detail and does a great job capturing the various actions of the men as they fight to seize the moment and the ship. This book includes illustrations, several maps, and endnotes identifying all sources. A bibliography and index are also found.

Mutiny on the Spanish Main has broad appeal to anyone interested in naval history or sea stories. This classic portrayal of man’s inhumanity to man makes this an exciting tragedy from the pages of history, which I heartily encourage you to read.

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Review Copyright ©2021 Cindy Vallar

Within the pages of this book the reader finds a diverse selection of articles covering many aspects of naval history and lore from ancient times through World War II. The purpose is not to provide an in-depth examination on any one topic, but to provide the opportunity to explore and discover. While primary focus is on the British and American navies, other nations are also represented.
        
A small sampling of the contents reveals the book’s wide scope:      

Ten Warships that Sank Without the Help of the Enemy
Preserving Admiral Nelson
Sea Shanties and Shipboard Music
The Lords of the Admiralty
Painting the Sailing Man-of-War

For pirate enthusiasts, the list includes:

Privateer or Pirate?
The Seven Sea Dogs
The King of Corsairs
The Navy and Pirates

While many miscellanies (trivia books) are primarily a compilation of lists, Konstam opted to write fascinating articles to whet the reader’s appetite. His intent is to appeal not only to naval enthusiasts but also anyone with a curiosity about naval history. As a writer always searching for answers to hard-to-find questions, I appreciate several selections because Konstam kept researchers in mind as he sorted through what to include or discard. What makes Naval Miscellany such a delight to read is you can pick and choose the titles that most appeal to you or skip around, rather than reading the book from beginning to end. Although a hardback, the book is the size of a paperback that contains a chest full of treasures to scintillate the mind.

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Review Copyright ©2010 Cindy Vallar

Piracy: The Complete History
By Angus Konstam
Osprey, 2008, ISBN 978-1-84603-240-0, US $24.95 / CAN $27.95

While not the oldest profession in history, pirates have plagued the seas from ancient times to present day. Piracy examines this history in eleven chapters: Pirates of the Ancient World, Medieval Pirates, The Sea Dogs of the Renaissance, Mediterranean Corsairs, The Buccaneers, The Golden Age of Piracy, The Pirate Round, The Last of the Pirates, The Chinese Pirates, Modern Piracy, and Pirates in Fiction. Konstam concludes with a three-page essay on “The Real Pirates of the Caribbean,” and the book includes an introduction, notes, a selected bibliography, and an index.

This book tells the story of the real pirates of history – the men for whom shipwreck, starvation, disease and violent death were a constant threat, and whose piratical careers were usually measured in months rather than in years. While these pirates certainly did operate in exotic locations . . . and their stories occasionally involve marooning, buried treasure, desert islands and parrots, the notion that their lives were in any way romantic would have been highly amusing to them.

This passage leaves no doubt that the author has a clear objective in mind: providing the true history of piracy, rather than the myths that have evolved over the centuries about men and women we should fear rather than emulate as romantic characters. Although Konstam provides a brief definition of piracy, readers soon discover one meaning neither fits all pirates nor geographic regions. Sometimes they are friends or allies; other times they are “enemies of all mankind.”

As someone who has studied pirates for nearly a decade, I particularly identified with several remarks in the conclusion of this book.

For a pirate historian, one frequently asked question is whether you feel any affinity for the pirates of the ‘Golden Age’, for men like Blackbeard, or ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham, or ‘Black Bart’ Roberts. . . . The simple answer is no, I don’t feel any affinity for them, and if I were given the chance I probably wouldn’t like to meet them either . . . However, I do admit to being fascinated by them, by their crimes and by their lives.

This fascination clearly shows in the book. Of all the titles of Angus Konstam’s that I’ve read, Piracy is by far the most interesting and entertaining. He captivates us from the introduction and holds our interest until the last word in the conclusion. Although the history of piracy from ancient times to the present is a vast subject, Konstam does a superb job encapsulating the highlights and providing us with a well-rounded look at piracy and how it has changed through time. He achieves his goal of making “a few people aware that there was another, less romantic, side” to pirates, which makes this an outstanding book to read for anyone who wants to know about real pirates.

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Review Copyright ©2009 Cindy Vallar





Pirate: The Golden Age
By Angus Konstam and David Rickman
Osprey, 2011, ISBN 978-1-84098-497-0, US$18.95 / CAN $22.00 / UK £11.99

Although some readers may miss the Authors’ Note, which appears in small print in a corner on the back of the title page, it provides a clue as to what will follow in subsequent pages:

The biggest problem was trying to unravel the myth from the reality, scraping away the layers of later interpretation to reveal the real pirates who terrorized the waters of the Caribbean and the Americas.

Not only do the authors delve into the murky waters created by novelists and Hollywood, but they also examine those found in artistic renderings of pirates.

Pyle created a “pirate look” that bore little resemblance to the real thing. We had both been trying the same thing from two different directions – one trying to separate pirate fact from fiction using historical sources, and the other through a scholarly study of pirate clothing.

The collaboration of these two authors produced Pirate, a sixty-four page book that provides readers with a concise summary of these sea rogues from 1714 to 1724 – a time when these villains numbered in the thousands.
 
This examination opens with a look at where the moniker “The Golden Age of Piracy” comes from and the disagreement among pirate historians as to the time period this moniker encompasses. This is done in two succinct paragraphs that end with the goal of the book: “to reveal as best we can the reality of pirate life and their appearance during this turbulent decade.” (What particularly fascinated me was discovering another example of how Rafael Sabatini impacted our image of pirates, because he coined the term “Golden Age of Piracy” when writing his pirate novels, including Captain Blood, in the 1920s.)
 
Before the authors get into the nitty-gritty, they begin with a chronology of important piratical events beginning with the Treaty of Utrecht, which ended Britain’s participation in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713, and ending with John Gow dancing the hempen jig in 1725. There are a few discrepancies in this timeline since Stede Bonnet was actually hanged on 10 December 1718, rather than 1719. His crew was hanged the month before he was.*
 
The topics in this volume cover how pirates were recruited, the skills they needed to succeed, what they actually looked like versus what we imagine, what their lives were like, the violence that accompanied this life (including weaponry and tactics), the plunder they captured, seeking revenge for past wrongs, and the fate awaiting pirates. The book ends with a list of museums and galleries where piratical resources can be found, a bibliography, a glossary, and an index.
 
Illustrations, both in color and black-and-white, abound. The captions clarify and reinforce what’s contained in the narrative. There are also eight full-page paintings that realistically depict pirates in various aspects of their lives. Recruitment, for example, shows pirates attempting to persuade a captured crew to join them on the account. Two pages are reminiscent of paper dolls – an average seaman versus a pirate captain, with their various parts of dress individually depicted and labeled to allow readers to better understand how real pirates actually dressed.
 
I’ve been a fan of Osprey’s various military series ever since I read Culloden 1746 by Peter Harrington while researching my novel, The Scottish Thistle. Among my maritime collection, I number several titles Konstam has written for Osprey, but Pirate, part of the Warrior series, offers readers more in-depth information than earlier titles. Other books touch upon the various topics covered, but Konstam and Rickman provide a marvelous and detailed assessment through explanation supported by period and firsthand examples about one decade rife with pirates. The rogues, themselves, would find this a treasure worth hoarding. Readers familiar with Konstam’s other Osprey titles will find this a worthy addition to their collections without duplicating what’s already owned.

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* The author assures me that this error will be corrected in future editions.

Review Copyright ©2009 Cindy Vallar

The Pirate Ship 1660-1730
By Angus Konstam
Illustrated by Tony Bryan
Osprey, 2003, ISBN 1-84176-497-3, $14.95

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Review Copyright ©2002 Cindy Vallar

The Pirate World: A History of the Most Notorious Sea Robbers
By Angus Konstam
Osprey, 2019, ISBN 978-1-4728-3097-5, US $35.00 / UK £ 25.00 / CAN $47.00
Also available in other formats

If not for Captain Charles Johnson and his 1724 bestseller, The General History of Pyrates, would we find pirates as fascinating as we do? Konstam certainly believes this is true, yet he also points out that “pirate” and the many synonyms we attribute to the scoundrels Johnson wrote about had different meanings in that time period. Many of the piratical elements we associate with these pirates may not apply to pirates of earlier or later centuries. Konstam’s main objective in his latest offering is “to strip away the myths and inventions from these historical figures to reveal the brutal but utterly fascinating world of piracy as it really was.” (7)

Piracy throughout history encompasses a lot of information, but the author succeeds in paring it down and presenting it in an entertaining and informative manner. He provides readers with a good grasp of sea marauding from its earliest days through the present, and also explores their portrayal in fiction. The eleven chapters are presented in chronological format, beginning with the ancient world. From there we meet medieval pirates, Renaissance sea dogs, Barbary corsairs, buccaneers, golden age pirates and those of the Pirate Round, pirates of the 19th century, Chinese pirates, and modern-day pirates. To enhance our understanding and reading pleasure, Konstam includes a plethora of color artwork, quotes from contemporary documents, notes, a select bibliography, and an index. Color maps indicate where pirates sailed and are accompanied by keys that explain what they did when, though not for all pirates mentioned in the text. Information deserving special focus appears in highlighted boxes and features topics such as Spanish coinage, pirate ships and guns, corsair galleys, Jolly Rogers, and pirate codes.

Among the many marauders readers meet within this volume are Cilicians, Vikings, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, Aruj “Barbarossa” and his brother Khair-Ed-Din, Murat Rais and Murat the Younger, Sir Henry Morgan, Laurens de Graaf, Benjamin Hornigold, Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, Edward Low, Bartholomew Roberts, Thomas Tew, Henry Every, Christopher Condent, Jean Lafitte, Koxinga, Cheng I Sao, Shap-’ng-Tsai, and pirates of Somalia and Nigeria. A few men who fought against piracy – for example, Woodes Rogers and James Brook – are also mentioned. Long John Silver, Captain Blood, and those of the Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean, are among the fictional pirates that are included.

Konstam provides a good overview of real pirates, and his conclusion about those of the Caribbean is quite interesting. He presents the material in a way that makes it easy for readers to picture these marauders more clearly, and to understand how they operated and what drove them to piracy. The Pirate World, indeed, separates myth from reality and commendably demonstrates that while fascinating, the men and women who chose this path in life could also be quite brutal.

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Read an excerpt

Review Copyright ©2019 Cindy Vallar

Pirates: Predators of the Seas
By Angus Konstam with Roger Michael Kean
Skyhorse Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-60239-035-5, US $29.95

Pirates examines maritime piracy from the ancient world to today around the world. Divided into fourteen chapters, the book begins with the pirate ship, and then examines in chronological sequence the history of piracy. Several chapters cover related topics: weaponry, justice against pirates, safe havens, myths, 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 this subject 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 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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Review Copyright ©2008 Cindy Vallar




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, and 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 three previously published Osprey books: Buccaneers 1620-1700, Pirates, 1660-1730, and Privateers and Pirates 1730-1830.

Review Copyright ©2009 Cindy Vallar




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

When one thinks of the Spanish galleon, several thoughts come 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.

 

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Review Copyright ©2006 Cindy Vallar

The World Atlas of Pirates
By Angus Konstam
The Lyons Press, 2010, ISBN 978-1-59921-474-0, US $29.95 / CAN $27.95

The opening sentences of this book clearly summarize Konstam’s intent with this latest title about sea villains.

The aim of this book is to set the record straight – to expose the romantic myths about pirates that have existed for centuries. In fact, piracy was a brutal business, far removed from the rose-tinted world of captain Jack Sparrow.

Rather than romanticize pirates, the book encompasses “assault, murder, kidnapping, and torture . . . .” Yet the author presents his topic in such a way that the reader can read about these crimes without fearing for his own life.

The discussion on pirates opens with a familiar quandary to those who study pirates – were they really pirates? “A pirate in one country could have been an explorer or hero in another, commissioned by a monarch to ‘conquer’ new lands or seas.” What follows is a look at the various terms that have become synonymous with pirates, but actually have precise meanings in this world of villainy. Konstam also points out, unlike most authors of pirate histories, that the word “pirate” has been “misused, misapplied, and misunderstood.”

The contents of the book are presented in chronological sequence, beginning with pirates of the ancient world through modern pirates. The final chapter considers the fact versus the fiction that comprises the world of pirates. Each page is handsomely illustrated with photographs and artist renderings. Interspersed throughout are maps that highlight trade routes, pirate raids, battles, and more. There are also highlighted sidebars that provide dates pertaining to specific pirates, as well as nuggets of information on topics as varied as electing a pirate captain to the Hong Kong Squadron. The only thing missing is a bibliography.

The visual appeal of this book is stunning and it resembles the coffee table books of old that were proudly showcased in people’s living rooms. There are a few errors, such as the date Stede Bonnet was hanged or that Kanhoji Angria was an African, but these are minor and in no way detract from the wealth of treasure on real pirates. Any reader seeking a well-balanced compendium on the real pirates throughout history will guard this book as if it were a map to buried treasure. For serious students of piratical history, The World Atlas of Pirates is one of the best places to start.

Meet the author

Review Copyright ©2009 Cindy Vallar

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