The Pirates Laffite - Annotated by William C Davis (Paperback)

About the Book

At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf.

Book Synopsis

An "engrossing and exciting" account of legendary New Orleans privateers Pierre and Jean Laffite and their adventures along the Gulf Coast (Booklist, starred review).

At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf.

Pirates to the US Navy officers who chased them, heroes to the private citizens who shopped for contraband at their well-publicized auctions, the brothers became important members of a filibustering syndicate that included lawyers, bankers, merchants, and corrupt US officials. But this allegiance didn't stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates.

William C. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf.

From the Back Cover

"[A] swashbuckling look at Jean and Pierre Laffite, brothers and partners in crime." "Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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From just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. Pirates to the U.S. Navy officers who chased them, heroes to theNew Orleanianswho shopped for contraband at their well-publicized auctions, the brothers became important members of a filibustering syndicate. But this allegiance didn t stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates.
"Davis fills out this squalid footnote to our past with great skill." "The New York Times Book Review
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"A solid study of the Gulf rim s most famous buccaneers has long been overdue . . . Davis beautifully reconstructs the elusive, colorful and nefarious lives of the Laffite brothers . . . Marvelous." "Mobile Register
""Davis account is the best yet produced." "New Orleans Times Picayune
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William C. Davis teaches history at Virginia Tech and is the director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. He lives in Virginia.
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Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR AN HONORABLE DEFEAT

"Once again [William C. Davis] has reminded us that American history is not all black and white, or blue and gray-that, especially within the doomed Confederacy, the shading of character ran from nobility to absurdity." -THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD

"A story rich in pathos and humor." -THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW