Engaging account of past piracy
The Pirate Menace, by Angus Konstam
Anyone looking for an enjoyable introduction to the golden age of piracy would do well to pick up this new book by expert researcher Angus Konstam.
Konstam puts piracy in context as a threat to the global world order, waged by disaffected seafarers – the 'enemies of mankind'. He then goes into the day-to-day lives of pirates and the safe havens they created at Port Royal and Nassau.
He also focuses in on the voyages of some especially famous/notorious buccaneers, including Blackbeard and Bartholomew Roberts, and how they (and eventually Caribbean piracy in general) were finally suppressed by government-sponsored pirate hunters.
Of interest to those with a bit more knowledge of pirate history, there is also the story of how Caribbean piracy blended into pirate activity off the African coast and in the Indian Ocean.
The Pirate Menace
By Angus Konstam
Osprey, £25
ISBN: 978 14728 57736
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.