Pirates, Privateers, and Rebel Raiders of the Carolina Coast - by Lindley S Butler (Paperback)

About the Book

Butler offers engaging biographical portraits of some of the most famous pirates, privateers, and naval raiders to ply the Carolina waters. Covering 150 years he sketches the lives of eight intriguing characters. Penetrating the myths surrounding these legendary figures, he uncovers the compelling true stories of their lives and adventures. 32 illustrations, 6 maps, notes, bibliography, index.

Book Synopsis

North Carolina possesses one of the longest, most treacherous coastlines in the United States, and the waters off its shores have been the scene of some of the most dramatic episodes of piracy and sea warfare in the nation's history. Now, Lindley Butler brings this fascinating aspect of the state's maritime heritage vividly to life. He offers engaging biographical portraits of some of the most famous pirates, privateers, and naval raiders to ply the Carolina waters.

Covering 150 years, from the golden age of piracy in the 1700s to the extraordinary transformation of naval warfare ushered in by the Civil War, Butler sketches the lives of eight intriguing characters: the pirate Blackbeard and his contemporary Stede Bonnet; privateer Otway Burns and naval raider Johnston Blakeley; and Confederate raiders James Cooke, John Maffitt, John Taylor Wood, and James Waddell. Penetrating the myths that have surrounded these legendary figures, he uncovers the compelling true stories of their lives and adventures.

Review Quotes

Lindley Butler plots an accurate portrayal of early warfare on North Carolina waters.

George Ward Shannon Jr., Director, North Carolina Maritime Museum

Not only are the subjects intriguing, but Butler writes felicitously, turning the right phrase.

"American Neptune"

This book will surely appeal to many general readers, especially those who already have an interest in its place, people, and topics.

"Journal of Southern History"

"Lindley Butler plots an accurate portrayal of early warfare on North Carolina waters.

George Ward Shannon Jr., Director, North Carolina Maritime Museum"

"Not only are the subjects intriguing, but Butler writes felicitously, turning the right phrase.

"American Neptune""

"This book will surely appeal to many general readers, especially those who already have an interest in its place, people, and topics.

"Journal of Southern History""

Butler provides an eminently readable and accurate tale of the region's rascals.

"Publishers Weekly"

This is an informative and enjoyable work of regional history.

"Booklist"