Drawing on new research, this fascinating volume looks behind the myths to offer detailed insights into the real lives and activities of pirates—for better or worse—during the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean, from the mid-17th century to 1720. Over the past decade, research in Spanish, French, and Dutch archives, as well as in traditional English repositories, has resulted in a clearer picture of the activities and lives of the pirates who roamed the seas during the "Golden Age of Piracy" from 1650 to 1720. That is the picture shared in Daily Life of Pirates. The book describes how pirates actually lived, touching on their food and drink, their hideouts, and their humor. It also examines their ships, weapons and seamanship, their plunder—and their use of torture. The book's detailed coverage is made possible by newly uncovered interrogations of pirates and by official depositions given by their victims, both of which provide insights that go well beyond simple recountings of famous exploits. The result is a tantalizing, true picture of pirates' daily lives that reveals many surprising facts, such as the reality that most of their time was spent upon land as actual piracy was a seasonal occupation.

Describes typical features of eighteenth-century pirate life, including shipboard activities such as combat, catching rats, and feasting.

Throughout history, people have told many stories about fearsome pirates on the high seas. But not all of them are true! Was walking the plank a common punishment that pirates used? Did pirates keep pets? Check out the stories. Then see if you can spot the myths!

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of colonial piracy and smuggling with "Sails, Swords, and Smugglers: A Swashbuckling Journey into Colonial America's Pirate Underworld," book 1 in a series of history books for 6th graders. A lot of the most exciting details, which get kids interested in and fascinated by their nation's formation are often left out of American history for 6th graders in their school text books. But, in this book they get to learn gripping stories of real life pirates and historical figures, as well as how their activities contributed to the spirit of revolution in the 13 colonies. In addition it's appropriate for students 11-14. Parents and teachers will surely learn something too! Navigate the high seas of the 17th and 18th centuries, a time rife with daring adventurers, illicit trade, and the relentless struggle for supremacy among European powers. Our first port of call is a vivid depiction of a pirate's life, revealing the intricate details of life aboard a pirate ship and the codes they followed. We then delve into the risky business of smuggling, shedding light on the goods that were covertly transported and the motivations behind these daring traders. Embarking on a journey through the original 13 colonies, we uncover why this new world became a veritable playground for pirates and smugglers. We chart a course across the Atlantic to the heart of European trade and conflict, exploring the role European powers played in shaping the era's piracy and smuggling. The Golden Age of Piracy Our voyage doesn't stop there. We explore the Caribbean, a veritable pirate's paradise, and Africa's reluctant participation in the era's triangular trade. Discover the unlikely catalysts of piracy and smuggling: the Spanish and British, and how their rivalry fuelled an era of lawlessness on the seas. Get acquainted with the notorious figures who defined the Golden Age of Piracy and uncover the incredible impact they had on the colonies and their economies. Immerse yourself in the Revolutionary War, where pirates played surprising roles, and witness the measures taken by authorities to curb these illicit activities. Could piracy and smuggling have sparked the spirit of independence? This intriguing question is explored as we draw parallels between pirates, smugglers, and revolutionaries. Concluding with the echoes from this age of sails, swords, and smugglers, we contemplate the lasting impact of this era on the modern world. This compelling narrative promises to engage young readers, spark their imaginations, and broaden their understanding of a significant era in American history. For 11-14-year-olds eager to embark on a historical adventure like no other, "Sails, Swords, and Smugglers" is a must-read. Dive into this treasure trove of tales and embark on a thrilling journey through time. Set sail with us now!

Blackbeard, Jose Gaspar, Jean Lafitte—the names conjure up a romantic, swashbuckling figure with a black patch over one eye, a cutlass in his teeth, and a brace of pistols tucked into his waistband. Actors such as Errol Flynn did much to create that devil-may-care attitude glamorized on the silver screen, but in fact, real pirates were not so admirable; for the most part they were cruel, greedy, dastardly brigands, many of whom were slave traders or smugglers in addition to being pirates. Still, we continue to be fascinated by their lives and exploits, perhaps because they led such adventurous lives full of bravery, recklessness and daring. It is certainly more enjoyable— and safer—to read about pirates than to encounter one. This book chronicles the lives and times of 20 notable Florida pirates, from the English privateers of the 1500s to present-day drug smugglers and “yachtjackers." Pirates have always found easy prey in the seas around Florida; not only did the treasure-laden ships on their way back to Europe have to sail close to Florida's shores to catch the currents east, but the treacherous Florida Reef foundered many a ship, making easy pickings. Most of what we know about pirates comes from Navy records, newspaper accounts, or eyewitness statements from those whom the pirates spared. This book distills the most interesting facts from many sources into a book that will be enjoyed by anyone interested in a different perspective on Florida's history.

Ahoy, matey! Ready to clear the clutter and make space for adventure? Welcome to "A Pirate's Guide to Decluttering," where we blend swashbuckling spirit with practical tips for a simpler life. Just as a ship needs order to sail smoothly, so does your home. We'll use the wisdom of legendary pirates to guide us through ridding ourselves of excess, keeping what we treasure, and organizing our loot. Picture this: your life as a cluttered ship. By tossing unnecessary items and organizing what remains, you’ll navigate with ease and freedom. First, set clear goals—whether it’s more space or less stress. Then, cut loose emotional anchors tied to your clutter. Remove the dead weight, organize the rest, and develop habits to keep things tidy. Decluttering like a pirate turns the task into an epic adventure, making room for what truly matters. Grab your cutlass and let’s embark on this journey to a tidier, more liberated life. Avast, simplicity awaits!

Feared throughout the Far East, Japanese pirates were likened to 'black demons' and 'flood dragons'. For centuries relations between Japan, Korea and China were carried out through a bizarre trinity of war, trade and piracy. The piracy, which combined the other elements in a violent blend of free enterprise, is the subject of this original and exciting book. Stephen Turnbull vividly recreates the pirates' daily lives, from legitimate whaling and fishing trips to violent raids. He explores the bases and castles used by the pirates and uses eyewitness accounts and original artwork to give stunning descriptions of a vicious and brutal life.

Over the years, thousands of tales, both true and fantastic, have been told about the dastardly thievery of pirates, and their rum-drunk exploits and high-seas violence never fail to delight. Compiled here are more than 100 of the very best pirate yarns ever created on history's most debaucherous scalawags. The stories, songs, and verses include writing by Daniel Defoe, Mark Twain, Joseph Conrad, James Fenimore Cooper, Robert Louis Stevenson, and many more.

In his popular book The Germans (1982), Stanford historian Gordon Craig remarked: "When German intellectuals at the end of the eighteenth century talked of living in a Frederican age, they were sometimes referring not to the monarch in Sans Souci, but to his namesake, the Berlin bookseller Friedrich Nicolai." Such was the importance attributed to Nicolai’s role in the intellectual life of his age by his own contemporaries. While long neglected by students of the period, who tended to accept the caricature of him as a philistine who failed to recognize Goethe’s genius, Nicolai has experienced a resurgence of interest among scholars reexploring the German Enlightenment and the literary marketplace of the eighteenth century. This book, drawing upon Nicolai’s large unpublished correspondence, rounds out the picture we have of Nicolai already as author and critic by focusing on his roles as bookseller and publisher and as an Aufkärer in the book trade.