For centuries, the allure of piracy has captivated imaginations, fueling tales of swashbuckling exploits on the high seas. As modern interpretations of legendary pirates like Captain Hook continue to inspire new stories, historians and enthusiasts alike are rediscovering lesser-known figures from the Golden Age of Piracy, such as the enigmatic Grace O’Malley and the cunning Jean Laffite.
To cater to pirate enthusiasts of all ages, here’s a curated list of must-read books that bring these buccaneering tales to life.
Classic Pirate Books
A General History of the Pyrates by Daniel Defoe
Originally published in 1724, this seminal work of historical non-fiction boasts an engaging narrative style, characteristic of Defoe’s writing. As the primary source of information on piracy during the early 18th century, the book provides a comprehensive account of notorious pirates like Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Mary Read, and Anne Bonny, among many others.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Initially released in 1882, this timeless tale weaves a captivating narrative that draws readers in with its intricate web of intrigue. The story unfolds as Jim Hawkins, a youthful protagonist, encounters the enigmatic and menacing Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn, setting the tone for a thrilling adventure that ultimately culminates in a treacherous battle for treasure on a tropical isle.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
The spotlight has shifted from Peter Pan’s perpetual youth to more complex characters like Captain Hook, who has become an audience favorite in shows like Once Upon A Time. This narrative also brings together iconic figures such as Wendy Darling and Peter Pan themselves, along with the menacing crocodile that never fails to strike fear into hearts.
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
Published in 1922, Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novel introduces readers to Peter Blood, a complex character whose life takes a dramatic turn when he’s wrongly accused of treason and sentenced to indentured slavery on the Caribbean islands. Escaping his fate, Blood transforms into the notorious pirate captain on the Spanish Main, earning a reputation that precedes him.
However, even the thrill of his swashbuckling exploits can’t help him reconcile with the woman he loves, who remains unable to accept a man whose livelihood is built on thievery and piracy.
Pirate books for children: nonfiction
Jean Laffite: The Pirate Who Saved America by Susan Goldman Rubin and Jeff Himmelman
From a young age, Jean’s fascination with piracy only grew stronger, fueled by his brothers’ and uncle’s influence. By the time he reached adolescence, he had already embarked on a pirate’s life, one marked by triumphs, treasures, catastrophes, and a deep-seated drive for retribution. As the years passed, the open seas became his sole reality, a world of adventure, fortune, and unyielding passion.
Pirate Legends by Jill Keppeler
Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of piracy with this captivating book, which brings to life legendary figures like William Kidd and the fearless Grace O’Malley. To add an extra layer of excitement, fact boxes and carefully curated images are woven throughout the narrative, transporting young readers into the swashbuckling adventure at hand.
Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter’s Companion by Dugald A. Steer
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the thrilling world of piracy! Imagine swashbuckling adventures on the high seas, where sturdy sailing vessels battled against tempests and hidden treasures lay waiting to be uncovered. This enchanting tale takes you back in time to a bygone era, when pirates’ Jolly Rogers flapped in the wind, their flamboyant fashion sense made them stand out, and their cunning tactics left opponents bewildered.
Whether you’re an aficionado of pirate lore or just looking for an exciting escapade, this comprehensive guide is the perfect companion for any would-be buccaneer.
Piratepedia by Alisha Niehaus
Piratepedia is an imaginative time-travel journal that whisks readers away to the thrilling world of pirates. This comprehensive guide combines the in-depth information and iconic illustrations of DK’s classic references with carefully selected excerpts from beloved pirate stories, making it a treasure trove of knowledge that kids won’t be able to resist.
With its unique blend of fact and fiction, Piratepedia is the perfect companion for young adventurers looking to explore the high seas and uncover the secrets of the infamous buccaneers.
Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World by Jane Yolen and Christine Joy Pratt
Meet the fascinating female buccaneers who defied convention and carved out their own paths on the high seas. From Artemisia, the renowned Admiral Queen of Persia, to Rachel Wall, a pirate with a troubled past who traded her strict upbringing for a life of swashbuckling adventure, and Grania O’Malley, daughter of an Irish chieftain turned notorious pirate queen – these are the stories of some of the most intriguing and unforgettable women to ever sail the seven seas.
Pirate Books for children: picture books
Daniela the Pirate by Susanna Isern
For Daniela, the allure of becoming a swashbuckling pirate on the Black Croc boat is strong. However, she’s about to encounter an obstacle that will put her skills and determination to the test. Captain Choppylobe, a seasoned mariner with a reputation for being unyielding, has a series of trials in store for Daniela. The question remains: will she be able to overcome the challenges and prove herself worthy of joining the crew or will she find herself walking the plank?
Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates by April Jones Prince and Steven Salerno
In a quaint little haven by the sea, three swashbuckling pirates resided – Papa, the burly bandit; Mama, the formidable female buccaneer; and Baby, the young apprentice learning the ways of the high seas. Their adventures took an unexpected turn when they chanced upon Goldenlocks while out sailing in the harbor.
Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke and Kerstin Meyer
Pirate Princess by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Jill McElmurry
Unlike traditional princesses, Princess Bea has a unique set of interests that veer away from the typical royalty pursuits. She’s drawn to the thrill of pirate ships and the rugged coastline, rather than indulging in tea parties or playing with dolls. As a landlocked princess, she faces the challenge of how to satisfy her adventurous spirit within the confines of her royal responsibilities.
Pirate vs. Pirate: The Terrific Tale of a Big, Blustery Maritime Match by Mary Quattlebaum and Alexandra Boiger
The reputation of Bad Bart precedes him as the largest and most formidable boy pirate on the Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, Mean Mo has earned notoriety as the fiercest and most powerful girl pirate on the Pacific side. The stage is set for an epic showdown when these two titans of piracy meet in the middle, each determined to prove that they are the greatest pirate of all time.
Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort
Get ready to set sail with a swashbuckling pirate, his trusty parrot sidekick, and, yes, even a pair of undergarments. This sidesplitting children’s book combines the high-seas hijinks of pirates with the unexpected humor of underwear in a thrilling adventure that will have young readers giggling from start to finish.
Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel and Henry Cole
Imagine a swashbuckling adventure where the stakes are higher than treasure chests filled with gold doubloons. The fearless leader of this motley pirate crew has issued an ultimatum: capture every single letter of the alphabet, or face the dreaded fate of walking the plank. The pressure is on to gather each and every letter, no matter how big or small, lest they suffer a watery demise.
Small Saul by Ashley Spires
As the intrepid Small Saul navigates treacherous waters, can he prove that his gentle nature belies a value greater than gold? His swashbuckling escapade is a delightful exploration of embracing uniqueness, persevering in the face of adversity, and staying true to one’s authentic self, all wrapped up in treasure chests overflowing with humor and wit.
Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate
by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Gary the Stegosaurus had always dreamed of setting sail as a swashbuckling pirate. His desire was so strong that he finally got his chance when a quirky pirate captain took him aboard. However, Gary quickly discovered that being a pirate wasn’t all fun and games. In fact, it was a whole different story once the ship hit open waters. Seasickness was only the tip of the iceberg for Gary as he navigated the unpredictable seas.
This charming picture book not only tells an entertaining tale but also includes thought-provoking discussion questions, an interactive ‘look-and-find’ section packed with dinosaur facts, and additional tidbits about these prehistoric creatures.
Tough Boris by Mem Fox
Meet Boris von der Borch, a seemingly ruthless pirate who exudes toughness from every pore – the epitome of a swashbuckling buccaneer. However, beneath this gruff exterior lies a complex individual, whose true nature is yet to be revealed. The arrival of a curious young boy on his ship sets off a chain of events that challenges Boris’s rough-around-the-edges persona, hinting at a more nuanced character lurking beneath the surface.
Pirate books for children: Chapter Books
Hook’s Revenge by Heidi Schulz and John Hendrix
In a thrilling tale of adventure and revenge, Heidi Schulz’s middle-grade debut introduces Captain Hook’s fiery offspring as she sets sail on the high seas to exact vengeance for her father’s untimely demise at the snapping jaws of the infamous Neverland crocodile. With swashbuckling flair, this spirited heroine takes center stage in a story that will captivate young readers with its blend of action, humor, and heart.
Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson and Dave Phillips
Hilary’s maritime aspirations have long been anchored in the dream of becoming a swashbuckling pirate. Yet, a lingering barrier has consistently thwarted her plans: the prestigious but stubbornly sex-discriminative Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates. Undeterred, Hilary seizes an unexpected opportunity to join a ragtag pirate crew after responding to a cryptic advertisement, thereby embarking on a thrilling and unpredictable odyssey at sea.
Stowaway! by Erin Soderberg
Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard a swashbuckling ship overflowing with adorable puppies. The first installment of the Puppy Pirates series brings together two beloved elements that will delight kids: dogs and pirates. This exciting new chapter-book series is sure to captivate fans of the Rainbow Magic series and anyone who’s ever dreamed of setting sail on the high seas, with a furry friend by their side.
Pirate Blunderbeard: Worst. Mission. Ever. by Amy Sparkes
The notion of the worst pirate ever claiming the Pirate of the Year Award may seem far-fetched, but for All Blunderbeard, it’s a tantalizing prospect. To achieve this feat, he must first vanquish an enormous sea monster that has been terrorizing the high seas. Furthermore, he needs to outdo his supremely talented brother in some manner, which is no easy feat considering his sibling’s exceptional abilities.
Additionally, All Blunderbeard must locate the fabled treasure that has remained elusive for centuries, a challenge that few have ever attempted and none have successfully overcome.
Polly and the Pirates by Ted Naifeh
Polly’s life is torn between two worlds – the strict, traditional boarding school environment she’s familiar with, and the swashbuckling legacy of the Pirate Queen that she never knew was her own. But which one is the harsh reality and which is the idyllic haven? And does it even matter when a charming pirate prince enters the picture?
As Polly navigates this thrilling adventure, she’ll need to confront the challenges and contradictions of her dual identities and decide where her true loyalties lie.
Pirate Books for teens
Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer
As Jacky Faber navigates life as a ship’s boy aboard HMS Dolphin, her dream of leaving behind the harsh realities of eighteenth-century London’s streets finally comes to fruition. Gone are the days of scrounging for sustenance and fighting for survival; in their place, she finds herself growing into a capable and esteemed sailor, embarking on swashbuckling adventures as the crew sets out to vanquish pirates on the open waters.
However, Jacky’s progress is threatened by one major obstacle: her gender.
Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J.V. Hart, Brett Helquist
James Matthew’s life at Eton was vastly different from that of his aristocratic peers. While they were busy mastering the art of sword fighting and adhering to strict social norms, James spent his days indulging in thrilling adventures and romantic escapades with a captivating Ottoman Sultana. His audacious nature even led him to defy the Queen of England, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable behavior.
However, when he embarked on a mysterious voyage, James’s quest for a mystical island quickly morphed into a harrowing experience that would test his mettle and push his limits.
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Alosa, a 17-year-old pirate captain, embarked on a perilous mission to acquire an ancient map that would lead her to a legendary treasure trove. To achieve this goal, she deliberately allowed herself to be captured by her sworn enemies, providing the perfect chance to secretly search their vessel. However, she had not anticipated encountering Riden, the cunning and undeniably charming first mate, who proved to be an unexpected obstacle in her quest.
Disney Manga: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End by Mikio Tachibana
As Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann embark on a thrilling quest, they’re joined by Captain Barbossa in a perilous journey across the seven seas. Their mission: to find Davy Jones’ Locker and rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from his watery tomb. However, their adventure is fraught with danger as they must also evade the cunning Chinese pirates hot on their heels. Will our heroes be able to outwit their pursuers and achieve their goal, or will the unpredictable tides of fate conspire against them?
Pirates! by Celia Rees
With the untimely passing of her wealthy merchant father, Nancy Kington’s life is forever altered. Left alone with no immediate family to care for her, she is shipped off to Jamaica to live on her family’s sprawling plantation. The harsh realities of slavery and her brother’s desire to marry her off without consent leave Nancy seething.
Seeking a means of escape from the suffocating circumstances, she forms an unlikely alliance with Minerva, one of the enslaved individuals who has managed to maintain a glimmer of dignity in the face of oppression. Together, they hatch a plan to flee and join a band of pirates, forging a new path filled with adventure, freedom, and uncertainty.
Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess Book 1: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew by Jeremy Whitley, Rosy Higgins, and Ted Brandt
As Raven sets out on her quest for retribution against her brothers, she’s determined to reclaim everything they’ve taken from her. To achieve this, she needs a team of reliable and daring allies. Join her as she recruits a diverse group of fearless queer women who will stand by her side and help her exact her revenge.
From the highs of camaraderie and shared victories to the lows of danger and adversity, experience the thrilling ride as Raven’s crew comes together to take on her brothers and restore what’s rightfully hers.
There be Pirates! : Swashbucklers & Rogues of the Atlantic by Joann Hamilton-Barry
Imagine stepping back in time to an era when swashbuckling pirates ruled the high seas. This captivating non-fiction book takes readers on a journey through everyday life as experienced by some of the most notorious buccaneers in history. Richly illustrated with over 50 vibrant colour illustrations and historical photographs, the publication also features highlighted glossary terms, informative sidebars, an index, and suggested further reading for those looking to delve deeper into the subject.
To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker
Annalisa’s world is turned upside down when pirates raid her ship, pilfering all that remains of her family’s fortune. In a desperate bid to preserve what little heritage she has left – the necklace her mother gave her – she implores James Sterling, a rough-around-the-edges crewman, not to take it from her. He agrees, but only after extracting a price in the form of a kiss.
The irony is not lost on Annalisa: having lost everything material, she’s now at risk of losing something far more precious – her heart – to the same man who so callously took everything else.
The Unbinding of Mary Reade by Miriam McNamara
Inspired by real-life events, this captivating novel tells the tale of a young woman who cleverly disguised herself as a boy to join the crew of the notorious pirates Anne Bonny and Calico Jack. As she navigates life at sea, she finds herself falling deeply in love with the fearless Anne Bonny, blurring the lines between loyalty, duty, and passion.
Pirate Books for grown-ups: fiction
Beautiful Tempest by Johanna Lindsey
In the next installment of the Malory Novel series, readers are transported to the world of Jacqueline Malory, a woman consumed by a burning need for retribution. Her wrathful pursuit of vengeance leads to a thrilling confrontation with the dashing pirate who had previously kidnapped her – an encounter that ultimately ignites a passion that burns far hotter than any initial animosity.
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Johanna Craven
As the galleon, Atlantis, navigated through the Caribbean waters towards Port Royal, its crew was unaware of the brewing mutiny that would soon shake their world. The air was thick with superstition as whispers spread about the two women on board: Catherine, a French stowaway from high society, and Serafine, a Jamaican-born cabin boy who was more than meets the eye.
The presence of these uninvited guests would likely be met with hostility if discovered, adding fuel to the fire of an already precarious situation.
Escape to Pirate Island by Niamh Murphy
In the realm of Cat Meadows, a cunning smuggler has carved out her reputation by exploiting the misfortunes of others. Meanwhile, Lily Exquemelin finds herself at a crossroads after inheriting nothing but her father’s troubles and a cryptic treasure map from him.
With no other choice than to flee for her life, their paths intersect in a perilous Trans-Atlantic journey that will test their resolve against the likes of ruthless pirates, mutinous sailors, hidden riches, and the treacherous dynamics between them.
Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas by Morgan Llywelyn
The blog post delves into the captivating tale of Irish chieftain and pirate, Grania O’Malley, whose remarkable sixteenth-century life was marked by unwavering spirit and unrelenting passion. As a prominent figure in Irish history, her story is intricately woven with the country’s struggle for unity and perseverance.
Magic of Blood and Sea by Cassandra Rose Clarke
When Ananna’s parents attempt to arrange a marriage between her and an ally pirate clan, she rebels against the idea, refusing to be bound by the constraints of being someone else’s second-in-command. Instead, she dreams of charting her own course as captain of her own ship. However, her bold move sets off a chain reaction with far-reaching consequences when she discovers that her intended fiancé’s clan has dispatched an assassin in hot pursuit.
With her life on the line, Ananna is forced to form an uneasy alliance with her pursuer, navigating treacherous waters as they try to evade their common enemies and confront the undeniable sparks of attraction between them.
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo
As the sun set over 18th century New Orleans, Maribel Cordova embarked on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets surrounding her father’s lost treasure. Her pursuit led her directly into the path of Jean-Luc Valmot, an enigmatic attorney with a past shrouded in mystery. For years, he had worked tirelessly to bury the remnants of his former life, convinced that no living soul would ever unearth the truth.
However, Maribel’s unwavering determination and unrelenting charm proved a formidable challenge to his carefully constructed façade. As their paths converged, it became increasingly clear that finding her father’s treasure would require a delicate balance of compromise and cooperation from these two stubborn souls.
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton
In 1665, Jamaica was a fledgling English outpost, struggling against the dominant Spanish empire. Port Royal, the capital city, was a lawless town of taverns, brothels, and saloons, devoid of the luxuries found in London. Life on the island could be short-lived, with diseases like dysentery claiming many lives, or it could end abruptly at the hands of an assassin’s blade.
Yet, for Captain Charles Hunter, Jamaica offered a chance to amass wealth, as long as he adhered to the island’s brutal code of survival.
Sweet Vengeance by Elizabeth St. Michel
With a sense of suffocation looming over her life, Lady Abigail Rutland yearned for an adventure that would break free from the constraints of her arranged marriage. Her fate seemed sealed until she found herself in a precarious predicament, which was unexpectedly resolved by a privateer who misinterpreted her as a young cabin boy. As he invited her to join him on his ship, Lady Abigail felt an opportunity arise to reinvent herself and experience the thrill of the high seas.
However, maintaining her disguise amidst the challenges of naval life proved to be just as crucial as navigating the unpredictable tides of her growing attraction to the enigmatic captain.
Pirate Books for grown-ups: nonfiction
Anne Bonny : the infamous female pirate
by Phillip Thomas Tucker
Anne Bonny’s remarkable personal odyssey spans a tumultuous period when women held little power and social status on both sides of the Atlantic. A new biography seeks to rectify this by shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her life, humanizing a legendary figure often reduced to mythological proportions.
The Barbary Corsairs: Pirates, Plunder, And Warfare In The Mediterranean, 1480-1580 by Jacques Heers
In the latter half of the 15th century, a scourge emerged to plague the seas: the Barbary corsairs. Hailing from the ports of North Africa, this fleet of Muslim pirates operated in an area known as the Barbary Coast to European mariners. As de facto agents of the vast Ottoman Empire, they exploited the lucrative Mediterranean trade routes with impunity.
Blackbeard: America’s Most Notorious Pirate
by Angus Konstam
The author’s vivid portrayal of the pirate’s ruthless strategies and notoriety for brutality paints a captivating picture of the allure and harsh realities of piracy. This thought-provoking exploration delves into the intricacies of the pirate’s business and the irresistible appeal of this violent and bloody profession, making for an enthralling read.
Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History Of America’s Most Notorious Pirates by Eric Jay Dolin
The Golden Age of piracy in the Americas comes alive through gripping stories of treacherous mutineers, vast treasures, and thrilling sea battles in Black Flags, Blue Waters. This captivating narrative brings to life a time when swashbuckling pirates roamed the high seas, seeking adventure and riches.
Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan’s Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe That Ended the Outlaws’ Bloody Reign by Stephan Talty
Henry Morgan, a swashbuckling privateer, defied the mighty Spanish Empire with a motley crew of adventurers and mercenaries, ultimately leading to its downfall. This gripping tale of piracy on the high seas is brought vividly to life in the thrilling account that is ‘Empire of Blue Water’, a true story of the notorious pirates who ruled the Caribbean.
If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, “King of the Caribbean Pirates” by Richard Sanders
Author Richard Sanders crafts a thrilling narrative that brings to life the extraordinary escapades of Bartholomew Roberts, alias Black Bart. This swashbuckling tale recounts the two-and-a-half-year reign of this infamous pirate captain, during which he amassed an impressive fleet of four hundred plundered vessels and effectively crippled trade in the eastern Caribbean region.
Pirate: The Buccaneer’s (Unofficial) Manual
by Stephen Turnbull
This comprehensive guide is brought to life through a rich array of historical artifacts, documents, and prints. It sets out to answer the many questions readers may have had about pirates – did they truly send men walking the plank, keep colorful parrots as companions, or bury treasure and mark its location with an X on the map? The book’s engaging tone and use of modern reconstructions provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of piracy.
The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd by Richard Zacks
Captain William Kidd’s reputation as a ruthless pirate hunter is often overshadowed by his later notoriety as a notorious pirate. However, during the early years of his career, he was a respected and successful sea captain from New York.
Hired to track down pirates in the Caribbean, Kidd’s three-year journey aboard the Adventure galley tested his mettle against not only the harsh seas and treacherous weather conditions, but also against arrogant Royal Navy commanders, rival East India Company captains, and even the pirates themselves.
Pirate women: the princesses, prostitutes, and privateers who ruled the Seven Seas by Laura Sook Duncombe
The narrative of this book is woven around the lives of women, both historical and mythological, who braved the high seas alongside their male counterparts. While their backgrounds may have differed, these trailblazers shared a common aspiration – to break free from societal constraints.