In the early eighteenth century a number of the great
pirate captains, including Edward "Blackbeard"
Teach and "Black Sam" Bellamy, joined forces. This
infamous "Flying Gang" was more than simply a
thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had
come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the
merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the
Old and New Worlds.
Inspired by notions of self-government, they
established a crude but distinctive form of
democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own
zone of freedom in which indentured servants were
released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote.
pirate captains, including Edward "Blackbeard"
Teach and "Black Sam" Bellamy, joined forces. This
infamous "Flying Gang" was more than simply a
thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had
come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the
merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the
Old and New Worlds.
Inspired by notions of self-government, they
established a crude but distinctive form of
democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own
zone of freedom in which indentured servants were
released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote.
They were ultimately overcome by their arch-nemesis, Captain Woodes Rogers—a merchant
fleet owner and former privateer—and the brief though glorious moment of the Republic of
Pirates came to an end.
In this unique and fascinating book, Colin Woodard brings to life this virtually unexplored
chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy.
fleet owner and former privateer—and the brief though glorious moment of the Republic of
Pirates came to an end.
In this unique and fascinating book, Colin Woodard brings to life this virtually unexplored
chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy.
Also available as an audiobook
from BBC Audiobooks America
from BBC Audiobooks America
The Book
| The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man who Brought them Down by Colin Woodard. The Official Homepage. (c) 2008 Colin Woodard. |
...a Kindle edition from Amazon.....
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