The History of Piracy

by Philip Gosse and Philip Henry Gosse

Book Overview

Written by an eminent authority on pirate lore and literature, The History of Piracy is one of the most important books on the subject. Tracing the rise of piracy from its ancient beginnings to its ultimate demise, it leads readers down an exciting path of fortune, fame, and folly.
Within this exhaustive volume on the pirate "profession," readers will encounter an unforgettable cast of plundering characters -- eccentric, dramatic, but always...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486461831
• ISBN13: 9780486461830
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

One of the better books on piracy

This modern reprint of a 1932 classic is an invaluable history of piracy. This book, along with David Cordingly's "Under the Black Flag" and Daniel Defoe's "A General History of the Pyrates" (Defoe was writing as Captain Johnson), are the best volumes on piracy I have yet to read. Gosse's history is lively and comprehensive.

An excellent introduction to piracy worldwide.

Philip Gosse has written a thorough overview of worldwide piracy; concentrating, of course, in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, but including the Far East. Even three cases of female pirates are covered. The subject is described both in breadth and depth, with many "sea stories" included. The only drawback is that some famous pirates, like Jean Lafitte, receive little coverage.