jjares reviewed The Golden Age of Piracy: A Captivating Guide to the Role of Pirates in Maritime History during the Early Modern Period, Including Stories of Anne Bonny, Sir Francis Drake, and William Kidd on + 3261 more book reviews
This is a great slice of history from the 1600 and 1700s. It was surprising to learn that piracy was practiced over 5 continents and from the earliest times that men set out in ships (whether it was across the ocean, sea, lake, or river). There are some interesting differences between pirates, corsairs, buccaneers, and the like.
Another surprise was the devastating effects of piracy on European countries' finances. Losing too much cargo could decimate a country and therefore the pirates were considered a threat to society and deserving of severe punishment.
As is the habit of Captivating History, they set the groundwork for the emergence of the Golden Age of Piracy. As the European nations started colonizing new regions, ships started transporting more valuable goods. They also continued to have wars amongst themselves, draining their treasuries. The people attracted to these new colonies (in the Caribbean, India, North and South America) tended to be restless and prone to act out.
But the real pull of piracy was really rather simple. Life during these times was dull and fairly miserable. And then you died. But aboard a pirate ship, if you survived (a mighty big if), you could earn enough to live out your life in splendor and ease. Many people answered the siren's call of the sea.
This is the most entertaining book I've read in a while. The author offered thumbnail sketches of the various "luminaries" in the piracy trade. The author also debunked some of the biggest piracy myths. In some cases, the truth was more interesting than the myth. My favorite factoid (of many) was the presence of a musician on board a pirate ship! In fact, musicians were almost as important as surgeons because they help[ed while away the long boring hours aboard with lively tunes and humor. Great writing!
Another surprise was the devastating effects of piracy on European countries' finances. Losing too much cargo could decimate a country and therefore the pirates were considered a threat to society and deserving of severe punishment.
As is the habit of Captivating History, they set the groundwork for the emergence of the Golden Age of Piracy. As the European nations started colonizing new regions, ships started transporting more valuable goods. They also continued to have wars amongst themselves, draining their treasuries. The people attracted to these new colonies (in the Caribbean, India, North and South America) tended to be restless and prone to act out.
But the real pull of piracy was really rather simple. Life during these times was dull and fairly miserable. And then you died. But aboard a pirate ship, if you survived (a mighty big if), you could earn enough to live out your life in splendor and ease. Many people answered the siren's call of the sea.
This is the most entertaining book I've read in a while. The author offered thumbnail sketches of the various "luminaries" in the piracy trade. The author also debunked some of the biggest piracy myths. In some cases, the truth was more interesting than the myth. My favorite factoid (of many) was the presence of a musician on board a pirate ship! In fact, musicians were almost as important as surgeons because they help[ed while away the long boring hours aboard with lively tunes and humor. Great writing!
