A General History of the Pyrates: Pirate Captains, Crews, Ships, and Laws

To be clear, this is NOT a fictional account per se, but rather a history of sorts written during (and presumably just at the end of) the golden age of piracy. That said, the accounts provided here form the basis of much of how pirates have been written about in the intervening years. The actions (and demise) of the likes of Edward Teach ("Blackbeard"), Charles Vane, and Anne Bonny Mayr Read and John Rackham are all recounted here as well as a number of other lesser-known brigands. Those seeking stories akin to Stevenson's Long John Silver or Conrad's Lord Jim will be disappointed - the value of this book is more historical in nature, and even so ought be taken with some measure of skepticism (as with all contemporary documents.)A fascinating read, know what you are getting into, lest you be disappointed.

This book was originally published under the pseudonym Captain Charles Johnson in 1724, contemporary with most of the pirate whose careers it recounts.The book was definitely not written by Daniel Dafoe (his "Robinson Crusoe" which draws on the same material is the reason for this attribution), but probably by Nathaniel Mist, to whom the copyright was issued.This book is inexpensive since it does not add any copyrighted material - no preface, essays, commentary, etc. - just the original book. But that is a challenge to many of the people reading and reviewing it here, who expect a modern treatment for a modern audience instead of just a 300 year old book. You really need to know what it is, its significance, in order to properly appreciate it.The author clearly interviewed many people connected with the Golden Age of Piracy, including Woodes Rogers who worked to end the reign of the pirates. The accounts given in this book are important historical records of the events that are recorded - though of course must be used with other sources of documentation (diaries, legal records, etc.).This book, which was very popular, created the modern conception of pirates and piracy.A good companion book to read is "The Republic of Pirates" by Colin Woodward, who extensively researched the topic, and writes a modern account of the events that is structurally similar, with chapters devoted to the different major pirates.

I really expected a book that had all those old drawings of pirates like the one on the cover. Nope. Just text. Definitely a privately published book. Kind of a let down. I was going to return it then I decided to keep it for the info anyway. Just wasn’t what I wanted or expected.

I have noticed that almost every non-fiction (and fiction) book or movie on the subject sources heavily from this book. So, well, there ya go. If you can get past the Ye Olde Englishe spelling and the flowery language, this is a pretty awesome book.Heck, it's a paperback book, just buy it and quit agonizing over it. What is wrong with you?

I bought this for my husband since he is intrigued by pirates!

A classic - everyone who likes pirates should read it. An old history of pirates written right after the golden age of pirating.

Excellent information, it’s just hard to read because it’s written in 17th century language.

Interesting read in old English language. A secondhand way to learn about pre revolutionary America, life back in the day, and how cruel men could be to one another. Not just the pirates, but the circumstances that forced them to that occupation.

Interesting book. I bought this to research a bit into the history underpinning the Black Sails series. It is fascinating for that alone, but gives an additional contemporary insight into the period and the pirate life. Embellished it may be, but that doesn't detract from the amazing tales it tells.

I know it's not the worst thing in the world but when you get an unpublished, self-printed book it makes you question the authenticity of the content, leaving a niggle in the back of my mind whilst reading saying 'is this the definite article or not?' which is a frustrating thing to wander through so many A4 pages of quite small print. None the less it is well printed despite not being professionally done, and the content seems legit although I can't be sure because I've not read this book before. Other than that, the delivery was speedy, and the product undamaged, so yeah, not a desperate complaint just thought it'd be worth mentioning in case anyone else thinks they're ordering something they're not.

Fantastic book describing in detail the lives of many famous pirates, giving contemporary accounts of crew members and famous capers. The language is somewhat archaic as you may expect of a book that was published in 1724, but I never found it to be more than a minor obstacle. A must have for any pirate lover.

Loving this book, bit large to handle but I am finding the facts fascinating. Looking directly into history

This is a print on demand and as such is without soul.Never again.