About:
The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down by Colin Woodard is a history book of a time when pirates created a truly democratic country in the Bahamas. Mr. Woodward is a New York Times award-winning journalist, as well as a best-selling author.
- 13 hours and 26 minutes
- Publisher : Blackstone Audio, Inc.
- Language : English
- ASIN : B013XCV1OU
- Narrator : Lewis Grenville
My rating for The Republic of Pirates – 5
Buy The Republic of Pirates from Amazon.com*
More books by Colin Woodard*
More books narrated by Lewis Grenville*
Thoughts:
The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down by Colin Woodard is, of course, fascinating book like the title suggests. Mainly taking place between 175-1725, or as it’s known “The Golden Age of Piracy”. The pirates did nothing short of social and political revolt against the superpowers of the time. I’ve read a similar book, Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean, and found it very interesting as well.
These pirates included privateers, sailors, indentured servants, runaway slaves, as well as captains and sailors tired of the harsh treatment of the Royal Navy or commercial ships. Several of the men became famous and notorious for the ages. Including Samuel Bellamy, Charles Vane, and Edward “Black Beard” Thatch. For them, lower-class Englishmen, a life outside the law was the best chance for social mobility.
Much of the book focuses specifically on Woods Rogers, a former privateer and governor of Bahama who would eventually take down the private republic. A republic which was paid for by Spanish treasure, for the most part. The pirates found a safe haven in the Bahamas and created a society modeled on democratic decision-making, and equal shares of the treasures they took. Bringing these legends to Earth as mere mortals is, for me, the strength of this book.
Most of all, the book brings to life how people lived, and worked in 1800th Century America, as well as England. Life was harsh, dangerous, and there was no guarantee of anything, as a matter of fact one might not even get their wages after years of work.
My favorite revelation: Hollywood has misled us, shocking – I know. While pirates did certainly love gold, wine, bread, livestock, silk, and flour were much more sought after when it came right down to it.
The narration by Lewis Greenville was, indeed, clear and concise. I enjoyed his story-telling, bringing forth the overall history and writing.
Buy The Republic of Pirates from Amazon.com*
More books by Colin Woodard*
More books narrated by Lewis Grenville*
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer:I bought this book through an Audible.com membership.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
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