'Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates' by David Cordingly delves into the history and legends of pirates, contrasting the romanticized versions of pirates in pop culture with the harsh realities of their lives. The book explores various aspects of piracy, from pirate ship selection to pirate attacks, providing a well-researched and informative account of the true nature of pirates. Cordingly covers a wide range of topics, including pirate executions, pirate women, and the depiction of pirates in literature and films, offering a comprehensive overview of piracy during the Golden Age.

Cordingly's narrative style in 'Under the Black Flag' is described as accessible and engaging, providing readers with a wealth of interesting material about pirates while also debunking common myths and misconceptions. The book is praised for its detailed examination of pirate life, its contrast with fictional portrayals of pirates, and its inclusion of intriguing anecdotes and historical facts that shed light on the gritty truth behind the pirate mythos.

Writing/Prose:

While the writing style is academically rigorous and straightforward, it may lack the lively narrative flair some readers expect, yet it remains accessible and well-organized.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into the chasm between the mythologized world of pirates and their stark historical reality, exploring the origins of pirate legends and detailing the lives of notorious figures.

Setting:

The setting spans various historic piracy hotspots, especially the Caribbean, during the period known as the Golden Age of Piracy.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with an engaging start that may lose momentum in later sections, as the book shifts to more technical discussions.

Genres:

nonfiction

history

biography

Topics:

the myth versus reality of piracy

famous pirates and their stories

pirate life and culture

piracy legislation and its consequences

historical impact of piracy on trade

the romanticized image of pirates

historical fact vs fiction

pirate codes and governance

Notes:

The book explores the gap between the romanticized image of pirates and the harsh realities of their lives.

Cordingly emphasizes the violence and brutality of piracy, contrasting it with the glamorized portrayals in films and literature.

Many famous pirates, like Captain Kidd and Sir Henry Morgan, are discussed, showing their dual identities as both criminals and privateers.

Pirates often used small and fast ships known as sloops to outmaneuver larger vessels, which contradicts the typical image of them using large ships.

Walking the plank, a common trope in pirate fiction, has little historical basis; actual pirate practices were often more brutal.

The book highlights the democratic nature of pirate crews, where captains were elected and could be deposed by their crew if they were unsatisfactory.

Pirates were often former sailors from ships that had been attacked, with many being men trained only in naval combat.

The concept of buried treasure is largely mythological; Captain Kidd is the only pirate significantly linked to buried treasure, but none has been found.

Women pirates, such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read, are featured, and their stories challenge the traditional male-centric narratives.

Cordingly details how literature, especially novels like 'Treasure Island', contributed significantly to modern perceptions of piracy.

The author critiques the historical inaccuracies in many pirate films and literature, noting that real pirate lives were often much less glamorous.

There were over 2000 pirates actively operating during the early 18th century, mainly in the Caribbean and along the Atlantic coast.

Russell Crowe's movies, including something fun like 'Pirates of the Caribbean', misrepresent the gritty and brutal reality of pirate life.

The book includes a glossary of nautical terms, aiding the reader in understanding pirate jargon.

Cordingly discusses the significant role of fear, with pirates often using intimidating flags to scare surrender from merchant vessels.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes medium content warnings for mentions of violence, torture, and historical injustices associated with piracy.

From The Publisher:

"This is the most authoritative and highly literate account of these pernicious people that I have ever read."-Patrick O'Brian

"[A] wonderfully entertaining history of pirates and piracy . . . a rip-roaring read . . . fascinating and unexpected."-Men's Journal

This rollicking account of the golden age of piracy is packed with vivid history and high seas adventure. David Cordingly, an acclaimed expert on pirates, reveals the spellbinding truth behind the legends of Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Sir Francis Drake, the fierce female brigands Mary Read and Anne Bonny, and others who rode and robbed upon the world's most dangerous waters. Here, in thrilling detail, are the weapons they used, the ships they sailed, and the ways they fought-and were defeated. Under the Black Flag also charts the paths of fictional pirates such as Captain Hook and Long John Silver. The definitive resource on the subject, this book is as captivating as it is supremely entertaining.

Praise for Under the Black Flag

"[A] lively history . . . If you've ever been seduced by the myth of the cutlass-wielding pirate, consider David Cordingly's Under the Black Flag."-USA Today, "Best Bets"

"Engagingly told . . . a tale of the power of imaginative literature to re-create the past."-Los Angeles Times

"Entirely engaging and informative . . . a witty and spirited book."-The Washington Post Book World

"Plenty of thrills and adventure to satisfy any reader."-The Philadelphia Inquirer

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About the Author:

David Cordingly was for 12 years on the staff of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England, where he was curator of paintings and then head of exhibitions. He is a graduate of Oxford and the renowned author of the definitive book on pirates, Under the Black Flag, as well as Seafaring Women and Cochrane: The Real Master and Commander. Cordingly lives with his wife by the sea in Sussex, England.

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Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

David Cordingly