Subject
Pirates -- Biography Books
Best books
Cornelius Neale Dalton
The Real Captain Kidd: A Vindication
"The Real Captain Kidd: A Vindication" by Sir Cornelius Neale Dalton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work aims to explore the life and legacy of Captain William Kidd, addressing the misconceptions about his character and actions regarding piracy. It reveals Kidd as an unfortunate figure, caught in a perilous web of political intrigue and betrayal rather than as the notorious pirate he is often portrayed to be. The beginning of the work introduces the reader to Captain Kidd, presenting him as a well-meaning sailor whose good reputation was overshadowed by a series of unfortunate choices and manipulations from powerful figures. Dalton outlines Kidd's background and his wrongful association with piracy, emphasizing that he was coerced by those higher in rank to embark on a mission that ultimately led to his downfall. The narrative explains the historical context of Kidd's adventures, detailing his commissions and the political machinations that ensnared him. This opening sets the stage for a thorough reconsideration of Kidd's legacy, suggesting that he was a victim of circumstance rather than a premeditated villain.
Charles Johnson
Pirates
"Pirates" by Charles Johnson is a book published in 1724 containing biographies of contemporary pirates. Written under a pen name by an unknown London author, this work became the prime source for tales of infamous figures like Blackbeard and shaped modern conceptions of piracy. It introduced now-familiar elements including the Jolly Roger flag, treasure burial, and pirates with missing limbs. Though more literary fabrication than historical record, the book profoundly influenced later pirate fiction, including works by Robert Louis Stevenson and J. M. Barrie.
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