The Pirates Code: The Laws and Life Aboard Ship

(Hardback)

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Description

Pirates have long captured peoples' imaginations with images of cutlass-wielding swashbucklers, eye-patches and buried treasure. But what was life really like on a pirate ship Piracy was a risky, sometimes deadly occupation, and strict orders were essential for everyone's survival. These 'Laws' were sets of rules that determined everything from how much each pirate earned from their plunder to compensation for injuries, to punishments and even the entertainment allowed on ships. These rules became known as the 'Pirates' Code', which all pirates had to publicly swear by. Using primary sources such as eyewitness accounts, trial proceedings and maritime logs, this book explains how each one of the pirate codes was the key to pirates' success in battle, on sea and on land.

Reviews

"A fascinating glimpse into life aboard ship during the golden age of piracy."

--Adrian Tinniswood, author of "Pirates Of Barbary"

"This 'rollicking account' of pirates' codes--the strict rules deemed essential for survival at sea--explains how they determined everything, from how much each pirate earned from their plunder to compensation from injuries, punishments and more."

-- "Bookseller"
"A comprehensive and highly engaging study of the operations and everyday life at sea on pirate ships in the 'Golden Age' of piracy. Using a wide range of archival material, Simon has produced a meticulous examination of how pirate crews used 'articles' to organize their ships and lives. An in-depth exploration of not only the most notorious pirates and their lesser-known brethren, but every aspect of pirate life from the motivations of men to turn to piracy, to how they shared out plunder and food, to discipline and health care for injured pirates. The Pirates' Code is a pleasure to read."--Elaine Murphy, associate professor of maritime history, University of Plymouth

Author Bio

Rebecca Simon is a Professor of History at Santa Monica College. Her books include Why We Love Pirates: The Hunt for Captain Kidd and How He Changed Piracy Forever (2020) and Pirate Queens: The Lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read (2022).