Review: Incredible Pirate Tales: Fourteen Classic Stories of the Outlaws of the High Seas ed. by Tom McCarthy

Synopsis: “Avast there, me hearty!” From Long John Silver to Captain Hook, from Blackbeard to Captain Kidd, pirates have made off with our imaginations for centuries with their charisma and adventurous living. Truth be told, these capricious cutthroats are not only figures of horror but also of vicarious delight. Incredible Pirate Tales captures the most incredible stories of actual and fictional characters who took up the “black flag” and a life on the high seas. In these pages meet L’Olonnois the Cruel, the most notorious and wicked pirate of his day, whose ardent cravings for plunder sailed him down a path of treachery and brutality. Witness the rise of a pirate named Peter, who successfully manages his career and settles in France, where he retires as a gentleman. Learn about the exploits, arrests, and executions of infamous sea wolves such as Jean Lafitte, Captain Charles Vane, and the Joassammee Pirates of the Persian Gulf. From the women who married them to their hostages and slaves, from the sailors defending their ships against attack to the legendary pirates themselves, everyone has an astonishing tale to tell. There are even accounts of ghost pirates seeking revenge on their enemies and reclaiming stolen treasure. This bloody band of buccaneers sailed together, caroused together, pillaged and plundered together, and, like most outlaws, died together. From the top of the hawk’s nest to the depths of the galleys, this rousing collection of stories
vividly captures the pirates’ most savage and glorious existence (from the back of the book)

Review: I read this while on a cruise in the Caribbean. While my reading location made it all the more exciting, this collection would be just as enjoyable sitting in a chair at home. McCarthy did an excellent job of gathering these stories. Some dark, some funny, some historic, some cheesy-action, each was perfect in it's turn. My only qualm was at least two were chapters from larger works and left one at a cliff hanger! Luckily, both were easy to download on my kindle or I should be in rather dire straights. I highly recommend this collection for any pirate enthusiasts!

Bookmarks: 7.5 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-59228-284-5
Date Finished: 1-6-2013
Pages: 219