In more than 300 concise entries The Encyclopedia of Pirates and Piracy explores the thrilling and dangerous world of crime on the high seas, from the time of ancient Rome to the present day. From raiders aboard simple wooden sailing ships to globally-backed criminals sailing high-end speedboats equipped with global positioning systems, pirates have threatened seafarers for as long as men have sailed. Traditionally considered bloodthirsty and treasure-crazed, the true tales of history's best-known pirates are often more complex and interesting than the episodes of violence and greed depicted in popular media. Many often straddled the line between law and lawlessness and raided ships in the name of nationalism. Entries include Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, the pirates of the Barbary Coast, Henry Morgan and lesser-known figures such as Koxinga, a 16th century Chinese pirate. Entries also cover flags, folklore, and symbols of the pirates; their legends and lore; weapons and ships; pirates in film and literature; and much more.
- ISBN10 0816046638
- ISBN13 9780816046638
- Publish Date 30 December 2006
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Out of Print 3 January 2008
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Facts On File Inc
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 384
- Language English