If a Pirate I Must Be...: The True Story of Bartholomew Roberts - King of the Caribbean

by RichardSanders (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2007

  $4.32

  Bartholomew Roberts was the greatest of Caribbean pirates, seizing 400 ships in a career that lasted little more than 2-1/2 years. Yet today, he is virtually forgotten. Originally a tea-sipping, disciplined third mate, when captured by pirates for recruitment, he begged to be released. But, he was fearless, and a born leader. With the words, I have dipped my hands in muddy water. And, if a pirate I must be, t'is better being a commander than a common man. , he became the most successful, most exciting and dynamic pirate there ever was. Through the telling of this remarkable story, Richard Sanders explodes the myth of pirates as ruthless cut-throats, and explores the egalitarian and homo-erotic sub-culture of pirates including Roberts' own 'intimate' relationships. But more, he provides a pirates' tour of the strange and cruel world of the early 18th century Atlantic. With searing research and swashbuckling anecdotes, Sanders has written a biography of one of the most intriguing men in history, but also a thorough portrait of the 18th Century Atlantic maritime economy. Here is the real story of the myths which spawned a million childhood fantasies.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $9.64

  He drank tea rather than rum. He never killed a single prisoner. And he was probably gay. Meet the real pirate of the Caribbean. Bartholomew Roberts was the greatest of Caribbean pirates, seizing 400 ships in a career that lasted little more than 2 years. Yet today he is virtually forgotten. Originally a tea-sipping, disciplined third mate, when captured by pirates for recruitment, he begged to be released. But, he was fearless, and a born leader and he became the most successful, most exciting and dynamic pirate there ever was. Through the telling of this remarkable story, Richard Sanders explores the myth of pirates and provides a pirates' tour of the strange and cruel world of the early 18th century Atlantic. With searing research and swashbuckling anecdotes, Sanders has written a biography of one of the most intriguing men in history. Here is the reality of the myths which spawned a million childhood fantasies. 'A fascinating book, full of incident and fresh insight...' Daily Telegraph 'A swashbuckling tale from the golden age of piracy, spilling over with pieces of eight and whiffing of gunpowder ...' Mail on Sunday Richard Sanders is an award-winning documentary producer, director and presenter. He lives in London.