Pirate Hunting - by Benerson Little (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For thousands of years pirates, privateers, and seafaring raiders have terrorized the ocean voyager and coastal inhabitant, plundering ship and shore with impunity. From the victim's point of view, these attackers were not the rebellious, romantic rulers of Neptune's realm, but savage beasts to be eradicated, and those who went to sea to stop them were heroes. Engaging and meticulously detailed, Pirate Hunting chronicles the fight against these plunderers from ancient times to the present and illustrates the array of tactics and strategies that individuals and governments have employed to secure the seas. Benerson Little lends further dimension to this unending battle by including the history of piracy and privateering, ranging from the Mycenaean rovers to the modern pirates of Somalia. He also introduces associated naval warfare; maritime commerce and transportation; the development of speed under oar, sail, and steam; and the evolution of weaponry. More than just a vivid account of the war that seafarers and pirates have waged, Pirate Hunting is invaluable reading in a world where acts of piracy are once more a significant threat to maritime commerce and voyagers. It will appeal to readers interested in the history of piracy, anti-piracy operations, and maritime, naval, and military history worldwide.

Review Quotes

"A top pick for a range of collections, from those with a general interest in pirates to others covering military and nautical history."--Bookwatch-- (2/14/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"A vast canvas brimming with historical detail and insight. Little manages to steer a steady course through some 2,000 years of piracy on the high seas, providing not just anecdotes but a compelling human narrative of the seesaw struggle between pirates and those who fought against them. It's a tale that shares many common threads across the ages, straight into the news of today."--Clifford Beal, author of Quelch's Gold: Piracy, Greed, and Betrayal in Colonial New England

"An extremely informative, delightful read for anyone interested in the foundations of piracy and the measures taken to guard against the human casualties and loss of property it caused."--Northern Mariner-- (5/6/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Benerson Little's fascinating history of piracy and pirate hunting from antiquity to the present is a delightful and informative book that fills an important gap in the field of naval military history. The book is well written, well organized, comprehensive, and supported by excellent maps that ease the reader's journey. Little deserves high praise for bringing this important subject to the attention of historians and general readers, who will both benefit greatly from this excellent work."--Richard A. Gabriel, author of Philip II of Macedonia: Greater than Alexander

"Interesting and compelling."--Pirates and Privateers, The History of Maritime Piracy-- (10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"The author has compiled a wealth of detail based on far-reaching research. The book is well written and comprehensive."--Alfred S. Bradford, author of Flying the Black Flag: A Brief History of Piracy