No fictional swashbuckler could ever rival Jean Lafitte's dramatic life. From his hidden base in the Louisiana swamps at Barataria Bay, Lafitte mounted daring raids on ships in the Gulf of Mexico. His battles with the law were the stuff of legend: when Governor Claiborne of Louisiana offered a reward for the buccaneer's capture, Lafitte responded with a bigger reward for the governor! But when the British asked for his help in their invasion of Louisiana during the War of 1812, the pirate instead joined forces with Andrew Jackson to win the Battle of New Orleans. Later, the brigand moved his operation to Galveston and harried Mexican vessels in support of the Texans seeking independence. Lyle Saxon's superbly written account examines Lafitte's fascinating career, and frees the truth of the pirate's life from the web of fantastic myths which grew up around him. Did Lafitte participate in the French Revolution as a lad? What was his role in the plot to rescue Napoleon from his exile on St. Helena? And where is Lafitte's treasure hidden? Lafitte the Pirate is a classic work which will appeal to both adventure lovers and students of Louisiana history.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1836.

Jean Lafitte left behind many a legend for generations to follow in thepages of Louisiana history. Treasure hunters still speculate about the site ofpirated loot buried under French Quarter homes or sunk in the Barataria swamps.His notorious reputation was born of tales like these of the blacksmith andsuspect pirate. But regardless of whatever the storytellers may repeat, thereis one legend that does survive the test of authenticity, the story of how JeanLafitte and his men were heroes at the Battle of New Orleans against theinvading British forces during the War of 1812.In The Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans , authorRobert Tallant has given younger readers a chance to relive the excitement,romance, and thrill of those days when the Barataria pirates threatened rivertraffic and New Orleans felt the threat of seige by the British. Thisenthralling story from the pages of history is delightfully told with anemphasis on helping children understand the political events of the time aswell as the social climate of the city in the early-nineteenth century.The story reveals the speculative past of Lafitte and how he hid behind thefacade of his blacksmith's shop in the Vieux Carr . He held bittercontempt for his enemy Governor Claiborne until that famous battle, in whichthe pirate-turned-hero joined Gen. Andrew Jackson to protect the city from theincoming assault of British soldiers. Combining tales of pirates, mystery,battle, true events, and real people, this children's book is a thrillingchapter in American history.Robert Tallant (1909-1957) was one of Louisiana's best-known authors, andparticipated in the WPA Writers Project during the 1930s and 1940s. BesidesMardi Gras . . . As It Was, Tallant also wrote Voodoo in NewOrleans and The Voodoo Queen . With Lyle Saxon and EdwardDreyer he coauthored the famous collection Gumbo Ya-Ya: Folktales ofLouisiana.

Enjoy the best sea adventures, treasure hunt tales and bloody battles, along with learning the truth behind the legends, the real life stories that inspired so many writers and produced so many beloved classics: History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates (Captain Charles Johnson) The Book of Buried Treasure Treasure Island (R. L. Stevenson) Blackbeard: Buccaneer (R. D. Paine) Pieces of Eight (Le Gallienne) Captain Singleton (Defoe) Gold-Bug (Edgar Allan Poe) Hearts of Three (Jack London) The Dark Frigate (C. B. Hawes) Isle of Pirate's Doom (Robert E. Howard) Swords of Red Brotherhood (Howard) Queen of Black Coast (Howard) Barbarossa—King of the Corsairs Black Vulmea (Howard) Afloat and Ashore (James F. Cooper) Homeward Bound (Cooper) Red Rover (Cooper) Facing the Flag (Jules Verne) A Pirate of the Caribbees (H. Collingwood) Pirate Gow (Daniel Defoe) The King of Pirates (Defoe) The Pirate (Walter Scott) Rose of Paradise (Howard Pyle) Captain Sharkey (Arthur Conan Doyle) The Pirate (Frederick Marryat) Three Cutters (Marryat) Madman and the Pirate (R. M. Ballantyne) The Offshore Pirate (F. Scott Fitzgerald) Coral Island (Ballantyne) Under the Waves (Ballantyne) Pirate City (Ballantyne) Captain Boldheart (Dickens) Master Key (L. Frank Baum) A Man to His Mate (J. Allan Dunn) Tales of the Fish Patrol (Jack London) Robinson Crusoe (Defoe) Peter Pan and Wendy (J. M. Barrie) Mysterious Island (Jules Verne) Count of Monte Cristo (Dumas) Ghost Pirates (W. H. Hodgson) The Pirate Island (H. Collingwood) Among Malay Pirates The Capture of Panama, 1671 The Malay Proas (James F. Cooper) The Daughter of the Great Mogul (Defoe) Morgan at Puerto Bello The Ways of the Buccaneers Narrative of the Capture of the Ship Derby, 1735 (Captain Anselm) The Fight Between the Dorrill and the Moca Jaddi the Malay Pirate The Terrible Ladrones The Female Captive The Passing of Mogul Mackenzie Sea-Wolves of the Mediterranean Pirates of Panama ...

The Pirate Bay Collection stands as a monumental anthology, weaving together the rich tapestry of pirate-themed narratives across history, true stories, and the most celebrated pirate novels. This collection boasts an unparalleled range of literary styles, from the swashbuckling adventures of high seas to the introspective accounts of piracy's impact on society. Within its pages, readers will find an exquisite blend of historical accuracy and fantastical escapades, encapsulated in timeless works that have shaped the literary depiction of piracy. The diversity and significance of the works included, alongside standout pieces that define the pirate genre, highlight this collection's importance in both literary and cultural contexts. The contributing authors and editors, a veritable who's who of literary giants from Jules Verne to F. Scott Fitzgerald, bring a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, and styles to the anthology. Their collective contributions underscore the multifaceted nature of piracy, touching on themes of adventure, morality, freedom, and the human condition. This assortment of voices aligns with various literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, enriching the collection with a historical and cultural depth that offers readers a panoramic view of the pirate's place in literature and society. The Pirate Bay Collection is an essential volume for anyone interested in exploring the myriad ways in which pirates have been imagined, romanticized, and vilified throughout literature. It offers a unique opportunity to embark on a journey through the high seas of narrative innovation, historical reflection, and literary excellence. This anthology not only serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the evolution of the pirate narrative but also as a portal to the thrilling escapades and moral quandaries that have captivated the minds of readers for centuries. Engage with this collection to experience the wide breadth of insights and the dynamic dialogue fostered between different authors' works, all within the fascinating context of piracy.