The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down - Hardcover

Woodard, Colin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0151013020 ISBN 13: 9780151013029

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007

Synopsis

In the early eighteenth century a number of the great pirate captains, including Edward "Blackbeard" Teach and "Black Sam" Bellamy, joined forces. This infamous "Flying Gang" was more than simply a thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the Old and New Worlds. Inspired by notions of self-government, they established a crude but distinctive form of democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which indentured servants were released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote. They were ultimately overcome by their archnemesis, Captain Woodes Rogers—a merchant fleet owner and former privateer—and the brief though glorious moment of the Republic of Pirates came to an end.

In this unique and fascinating book, Colin Woodard brings to life this virtually unexplored chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy.

About this title

Review:

'Fascinating... beyond rip-roaring adventure stories from the distant past, [the book offers] an opportunity to understand pirates as they truly were--and to be grateful that the worst of them, at least, are gone.' New York Times Book Review

'This breezy, fast-moving book is filled with exciting action and colorful characters. It will provide general readers and those with a special interest in the period much enjoyment.' Booklist

'Disregard Robert Louis Stevenson's rowdy buccaneers, the Disney factory's lively rascals and those musical lads from Penzance: Here are the real pirates of the Caribbean, and the facts are as colorful and exciting as fiction.' Kirkus Reviews

'It's a rollicking tale, filled with rich details of the lives of men who, for their own personal gain, challenged the spread of empires.' Times-Picayune

'The first incisive look at the world of Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, Anne Bonny, and their compatriots, and it illuminates as never before one of the most storied yet misunderstood episodes in our past.' Willliam C. Davis, author of The Pirates Laffite

'A rollicking, gangplank-swaying read of a book ...This scrupulously researched book strikes a balance of human interest, romance, drama, war, and historical fact--all key ingredients for an excellent read.' Caribbean Beat

Book Description:

The book that inspired Crossbones, the NBC television series written and produced by Neil Cross and starring John Malkovich

About this edition

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0151013020
• ISBN 13: 9780151013029
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 383