Pirate history has always been a fascinating topic that has captured the imagination of people for generations. For those interested in learning more about this colorful and often misunderstood subject, this article presents a list of the best pirate books ever written. These tales of real-life pirates and their exploits provide a well-rounded understanding of piracy, its role in world history, and what life was like for pirates.
The list includes a variety of books, from biographies to historical narratives, that offer a glimpse into the world of piracy. Although this article does not cover the fictional pirates like Jack Sparrow or Captain Charles Hunter, the stories of real-life pirates and their adventures are just as exciting. So, put on your eye patch, sing a few sea chanteys, and get ready for some swashbuckling adventure!
1. Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates
David Cordingly’s Under the Black Flag is a must-read for anyone interested in the Golden Age of Piracy. The book provides a detailed account of the pirate lifestyle, including their flags, clothing, and weapons. Cordingly’s expertise in the subject matter allows him to bring the pirates to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
However, Cordingly does not shy away from the harsh realities of pirate life, including the use of torture, mutiny, and marooning. The book provides a detailed account of the darker side of piracy, giving readers a realistic view of what life was really like for these seafaring outlaws.
2. Born to Be Hanged
Keith Thomson’s Born to Be Hanged: The Epic Story of the Gentlemen Pirates Who Raided the South Seas, Rescued a Princess, and Stole a Fortune is a thrilling historical account of a group of pirates who defied empires and rescued a Panamanian princess. The book is set against the exotic backdrop of the South Seas and is a true story.
The pirates, consisting of some gentlemen pirates and some true scallywags, embarked on a daring voyage to plunder the treasure-laden Spanish ships in the Pacific Ocean. The crew’s audacious raids, encounters with rival pirates, and crazy plan to rescue a captive princess make for an immersive and thrilling reading experience.
Thomson’s meticulous research and captivating storytelling bring to life the fascinating characters, including pirate captain Henry Morgan, and their swashbuckling adventures. The book explores global political tensions in the late 1600s, the economic importance of the South Seas trade, and the character of men who rebuked social norms.
The book’s vivid descriptions of the exotic locales, treacherous battles across the seven seas, and daring escapades transport readers into the heart of the action. This is truly one of the most thrilling pirate books out there, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of these remarkable gentlemen pirates and their audacious exploits in the South Seas.
3. If a Pirate I Must Be…: The True Story of Black Bart, “King of the Caribbean Pirates”
Richard Sanders’ If a Pirate I Must Be…: The True Story of Black Bart, “King of the Caribbean Pirates” is a detailed and captivating account of the life of Black Bart, one of the most notorious pirate captains of the era. Sanders’ book provides readers with a glimpse into the dangerous yet adventurous life of a pirate, filled with camaraderie and brutality.
The book delves into the political and economic factors that drove many men to join pirate crews and the culture and lifestyle of piracy. Sanders also provides an in-depth look at Black Bart’s personal history, offering insights into what may have motivated him to become one of the most successful pirates of his time.
If a Pirate I Must Be… is a well-written and engaging book that is worth checking out, whether you are a fan of pirate history or simply looking for a fascinating read.
4. A General History of the Pyrates
Published in 1724, A General History of the Pyrates is a classic pirate book that provides a fascinating insight into the world of piracy. The book covers the origins of piracy in the Caribbean and delves into the Golden Age of Piracy and beyond.
One of the unique features of this book is the inclusion of first-hand accounts from aboard pirate ships, providing readers with a glimpse into the lives of the men who turned pirate. It is even credited with popularizing the myth of buried pirate treasure.
The book provides a wealth of information about pirate shipwrecks and famous piratical figures, making it a must-read for pirate enthusiasts and those interested in the history of piracy. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to its engaging storytelling and historical significance.
5. The Republic of Pirates: A Fascinating Account of the Caribbean Pirate Havens and the Democracy They Created
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean was a hotbed of piracy, with notorious figures like Blackbeard, Black Sam, and Charles Vane leading the charge. These pirates created a unique society in which they elected their leaders, disregarded racial differences, and even captured slave ships. Despite their questionable actions, their egalitarian beliefs and effective naval strategies made Spain and Britain nervous.
Colin Woodard’s book, The Republic of Pirates, provides an in-depth look at this fascinating period in history. Woodard’s writing is engaging and informative, making the book a page-turner. He also delves into the story of pirate hunter Jonathan Barnet, who ultimately put an end to the pirates’ reign.
The book is packed with information, but it never becomes dry or dull. Woodard’s clear and knowledgeable writing style keeps the reader engaged throughout. Whether you have a passion for pirate history or are simply looking for a great read, The Republic of Pirates is highly recommended.
6. The Buccaneers of America
One of the most influential pirate history books ever written is The Buccaneers of America by Alexandre Olivier Exquemelin. The book, first published in 1678, is a detailed account of Exquemelin’s time serving aboard a pirate ship in the Caribbean. Historians now believe that Exquemelin lived as a pirate for a time, making his writing an authentic and insightful account of pirate life.
The Buccaneers of America quickly became a bestseller in its time and has remained an essential read for anyone interested in pirate history. The book provides a unique perspective into the phenomenon of piracy itself, including raids and spending extended periods of time at sea. Its popularity has only grown in the centuries since its publication, solidifying its place as a crucial piece of pirate history literature.
7. The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake: 1577-1580
Sir Francis Drake embarked on an ambitious voyage in 1577, setting sail from England to explore the world. His journey took him across the Atlantic and down to South America, where he raided Spanish settlements and caused significant damage to Spanish shipping. Drake’s voyage was a significant achievement for himself and England, as he circumnavigated the globe and returned to England in 1580.
According to Samuel Bawlf’s book, The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake: 1577-1580, Drake’s journey was not without challenges. Bawlf provides readers with a detailed account of the perils and obstacles faced by Drake and his crew. The book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in pirate history or the Age of Exploration.
Bawlf’s account also suggests that Drake may have made it as far north as Alaska, becoming the first European to reach its snowy banks. This claim is still a subject of debate among historians.
8. The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd
Richard Zacks’ The Pirate Hunter offers readers a glimpse into the life and times of one of the most infamous pirates in history, Captain Kidd. The book is a well-researched and engaging account of Kidd’s life, from his early days as a respected sailor and pirate hunter to his eventual downfall as a pirate captain.
Zacks draws on a variety of primary sources to paint a vivid picture of Kidd’s life and the world in which he lived. Readers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including fellow pirate captain Blackbeard and King William III, and are given insight into the political and economic factors that drove piracy in the early 1700s.
Through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, Zacks brings to life the true story of Captain Kidd, separating fact from fiction and dispelling many of the myths that have grown up around the pirate over the years. For anyone with an interest in pirate history, The Pirate Hunter is a must-read.
9. Enemy of All Mankind: A True Story of Piracy, Power, and History’s First Global Manhunt
Steven Johnson’s book, Enemy of All Mankind, recounts the story of Henry Every, a notorious pirate who wreaked havoc in the late seventeenth-century. Every became famous for his daring pirate raids, notably his capture of an Indian trade ship carrying a vast amount of gold and jewels. This single act propelled him to the status of one of the most successful and wanted pirates of his time.
However, Johnson argues that the consequences of Every’s actions were far-reaching. The manhunt that ensued following Every’s raid led to the rise of the East India Company and the British Empire’s pre-eminence. One pirate crew’s actions changed the course of history forever.
Johnson’s book sheds light on the impact of piracy on global politics and trade in the seventeenth century. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in pirate history and the effects of piracy on world events.
10. Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates
Eric Jay Dolin’s book, Black Flags, Blue Waters, provides readers with an in-depth and captivating history of piracy in the Americas. Dolin traces the origins of piracy back to the 1500s, when pirates first began to operate in the Caribbean. He chronicles the rise and fall of infamous pirate kingpins such as Blackbeard and Edward Low, and tells the tales of famous pirate ships like the Queen Anne’s Revenge and the Whydah Gally.
Dolin also sheds light on the enemies that pirates made, including colonial governors like John Winthrop and third-party observers such as a young Benjamin Franklin. The book offers an engaging account of the Golden Age of Piracy, bringing history to life with vivid descriptions of battles, treasure hunts, and daring escapes.
Readers interested in pirate stories will find Black Flags, Blue Waters to be an essential read. Dolin’s writing style is clear and informative, and he presents a balanced view of piracy that neither glorifies nor demonizes the pirates. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Americas or the seafaring adventures of the past.
11. Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age
Marcus Rediker’s Villains of All Nations is a well-researched and comprehensive book that covers the Golden Age of piracy in the Atlantic Ocean from the 1650s to the 1730s. The book draws on a wealth of primary sources to provide readers with unique insights into the lives of notorious pirates.
Rediker describes the everyday routine of a pirate crew, as well as their bloody battles with enemy ships. He also sheds light on the social and economic conditions that drove many men to turn to piracy.
The book highlights the diverse backgrounds of pirates, who came from various countries and backgrounds. It also explores the pirate’s code of conduct and their democratic way of governing themselves.
12. The Pirate Queen: Queen Elizabeth I, Her Pirate Adventurers, and the Dawn of Empire
Queen Elizabeth I’s reign marked a turning point in English history. With Spain and Portugal dominating the world, Elizabeth sought to establish England as a maritime power. Her solution was to employ piracy, or “privateering” as it was called, to attack Spanish and Portuguese ships and loot their treasures. This cunning strategy allowed Elizabeth to accumulate wealth and establish England as a major player in the maritime world.
To accomplish this, Elizabeth formed an alliance with some of the most notorious pirate captains of the time, including Francis Drake and John Hawkins. With their help, she was able to build a formidable navy and establish England as a leading maritime power.
Susan Ronald’s book, The Pirate Queen, provides a detailed account of Elizabeth’s life and times, as well as the lives of her pirate adventurers. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in pirate history or British maritime history.
Through her use of piracy, Elizabeth was able to cut into the extravagant wealth of her Iberian rivals and lay the groundwork for the British Empire. Her pirate adventurers played a crucial role in this process, and their stories are a fascinating part of England’s history.
13. Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution
Privateering played a significant role in the American Revolution, as detailed in Eric Jay Dolin’s book Rebels at Sea. The author highlights the daring exploits of sailors and captains who took to the seas to disrupt British commerce and weaken their hold on the American colonies.
Dolin’s book provides insight into the rise of privateering as a viable strategy employed by the American rebels to combat the powerful British navy. Privateers sailed in merchant ships retrofitted with canons and other firearms, and their efforts bolstered the Continental Navy’s limited numbers. They won key victories at sea for the Americans and were motivated by lucrative prizes.
The risks faced by privateers were significant, and Dolin explores these as well. Despite the dangers, these audacious individuals were willing to risk everything to secure America’s independence.
Rebels at Sea is a captivating exploration of a lesser-known aspect of the American Revolution and is a must-read for history enthusiasts seeking an exciting and enlightening journey through the exploits of brave individuals who helped secure America’s independence.
Summary
Pirate history books offer readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of piracy. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the Golden Age of Piracy to modern-day piracy. They provide insight into the lives of famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack. Pirate history books also explore the political and economic factors that led to piracy, as well as the impact of piracy on global trade. With vivid storytelling and historical accuracy, pirate history books are a must-read for anyone interested in the history of piracy.