Review: Pirates and Patriots of the Revolution: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Colonial Seamanship by C. Keith Wilbur, M.D.

Synopsis: America’s legalized pirates plundered on high seas to win freedom for their country and a fortune for themselves. Discover the little-known story of how 2,000 privately armed Yankee vessels captured sixteen British warships and almost 3,000 merchantmen during the Revolution. This makeshift “civilian navy” crippled British commerce, seized crucial supplies for Washington’s Army, and earn $50 million for its owners and crew. (from the back of the book)

Review: Written like actual handwriting, with plentiful illustrations, this is a excellent and lively exploration of American Privateers during the Revolution. Wilbur's prose and illustrations are incredibly detailed. This is an excellent book for students and amateur academics wishing to explore this particular segment of Revolutionary War history. I plan to buy more in this series.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-87106-866-4
Date Finished: 12-31-2015
Pages: 96