Great Books for Pirate Lovers

Those who know me also know I prefer watching video rather than reading books these days. But, I also have a fascination with pirates, and to learn as much about them as I’d like, I’ve found several books that provide information my hungry eyes have devoured!

Real accounts of pirate history are far more colorful than any of the fantasy stories often told about pirate lives.  With the pirates, truth trumps fiction!  The recounted lives of Stede Bonnet, Blackbeard, and other pirates of the Golden Age are printed on pages among my collection of books. 

In summer 1717, Stede Bonnet originally a wealthy plantation owner from Barbados, came down with an obsession for pirating.  Alas, Bonnet wasn’t the most adept of pirates, and several of his outrageous blunders would have made crazy, comical episodes on a “Stupid Criminal” show.  Yet, at one point he partnered up with Blackbeard, and their exploits make riveting stories.  

Blackbeard’s pirate days lasted a mere 20 months or so.  For Bonnet it all ended on December 10th 1718, when he was executed on the orders of Judge Trott, who during sentencing announced, “You will be severely hanged, until you are severely dead.” 

One book, “The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate,” written by Kevin P. Duffus, is a fascinating read.  I had always thought the tale of Blackbeard’s flaming beard was Hollywood fantasy, but it turns out to be factual that Blackbeard (aka: Edward Thatch or Edward Teach), would dip hemp rope in saltpeter and lime, insert them under his hat, and ignite them.  The sizzling wafting smoke made him a fearsome vision to his enemies, who thought him a demon.  Kevin Duffus is a serious researcher of pirate history, and is an award-winning filmmaker, researcher, and investigative journalist of historical events. 

The second book on piracy titled, “Stede Bonnet – Charleston’s Gentleman Pirate,” is written by Christopher Byrd Downey.  Downey received his degree in history from Virginia Tech.  He worked in the maritime industry for 15 years, and is a United States Coast Guard licensed captain.  He lives in Charleston, and offers pirate boat tours in Charleston. 

The other two books are “Jolly Roger – The Story of the Great Age of Piracy” by Patrick Pringle, and “The Republic of Pirates” by Colin Woodward.  

Both these books in addition to the first two are jam packed with fascinating pirate history and facts.  They are also available at Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.