Pirates & Privateers: Adrian Tinniswood's Books

As Somali pirates are the thorn in maritime shipping today, so were the Barbary corsairs of North Africa four centuries ago. Many histories on this topic cover either the entire period in which these pirates and privateers hunted, or they focus on the 19th century, when nations of the west finally succeeded in curtailing these corsairs. Tinniswoodexamines them during a period when westerners introduced them to the round ships, those of western construction that permitted the corsairs to sail as far away as Iceland to acquire booty and slaves. The principal perspective is from that of the English, although American and other western nations are included.

Early chapters focus on infamous corsairs and Europeans who sail for the Barbary States, some of whom turn Turk (convert to Islam and attack ships of Christian nations): Kheir ad-Din, John Ward, Sir Francis Verney, Simon Danseker, Peter Easton, Sir Henry Mainwaring, and Jan Janszoon of Haarlem. Also intertwined through the information presented here are firsthand accounts of corsair raids, their captives, and how the various governments attempted to deal with the pirates, oftentimes with little success. Barbary perspectives are shared to provide a well-rounded picture of this 17th-century problem.

Maps, illustrations, and quotes from primary documents enliven and emphasize the narrative. One stellar chapter that captures the reader’s imagination is the recounting of Murad Rais’s attack on Baltimore, Ireland and the plight of the nearly 100 captives he took with him. Chapter notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this highly readable and understandable story of a truly frightening episode in maritime history. Whether readers are interested in delving deeper into a particular time in Barbary corsair history or just want a good introduction to these corsairs and their exploits, Pirates of Barbary fits the bill.