Some of the infamous pirates of yore began as privateers, and the lines between oftentimes thinly drawn. Henry Morgan, William Kidd; Blackbeard (Edward Teach) probably served on privaters. Jean Lafitte, a French-American privateer/pirate.
In Patrick O’Brian's Aubrey–Maturin series, drawing from this history, Letter of Marque (Book 12) is a novel of privateering. There's also The Far Side of the World (Book 10), and The Wine-Dark Sea (Book 16) both taking place in the Pacific; pirates and privateers figure in there novels as well.
Sorry for the misspellings. If a reader is curious about the age of sail, and perhaps a fan of Moby-Dick, the Patrick O’Brian novels are a trove, particularly the first three in the series. And, there's the astonishing memoir, "Two Years Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana Jr., published in 1840, a source for Melville. Some of the best prose I've read. As good as any pirate tale, by half.
Aaaargh 🏴☠️
Some of the infamous pirates of yore began as privateers, and the lines between oftentimes thinly drawn. Henry Morgan, William Kidd; Blackbeard (Edward Teach) probably served on privaters. Jean Lafitte, a French-American privateer/pirate.
In Patrick O’Brian's Aubrey–Maturin series, drawing from this history, Letter of Marque (Book 12) is a novel of privateering. There's also The Far Side of the World (Book 10), and The Wine-Dark Sea (Book 16) both taking place in the Pacific; pirates and privateers figure in there novels as well.
Many thanks for this Able! Great point – and great recommendations. Much appreciated, Henry
Sorry for the misspellings. If a reader is curious about the age of sail, and perhaps a fan of Moby-Dick, the Patrick O’Brian novels are a trove, particularly the first three in the series. And, there's the astonishing memoir, "Two Years Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana Jr., published in 1840, a source for Melville. Some of the best prose I've read. As good as any pirate tale, by half.
I love that Princess Bride is included! This was a book I discovered as an adult and it has become one of my favourite reads in recent years.
A piratical rabbit-hole, indeed!
Very glad to see MacDonald Fraser there.
If you do a VJ anniversary round up, his 'Quartered Safe Out Here' should definitely be top of the list.
Thanks for the recommendation!