The Republic of Pirates

The Republic of Pirates is something of an unlikely book for me to read. Yet, because it was suggested by no less than Al Mohler as one of his recommended summer reads, I decided to add it to my list of titles to read. The book is “the true and surprising story of the Caribbean pirates and the man who brought them down.” It looks at the history of Caribbean piracy, focusing primarily on its heyday which lasted for only about a decade in the early part of the eighteenth century. During this time many of the most successful pirate captains joined forces, bringing trade and commerce in that portion of the New World to nearly a complete halt. Piracy cut trade routes, took over thousands of ships, and stole their precious cargoes. Captains and crew become wealthy, stealing from the rich to make themselves even more rich.

The book looks at such well-known and infamous villains as Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet and Anne Bonny (though she appears only very briefly). It looks also at Woodes Rogers, the unlikely privateer who eventually restored order and destroyed piracy. Not surprisingly, the pirates of history bear only a vague resemblance to the pirates of fiction and film. Though some regarded themselves as nautical Robin Hoods, stealing from the rich to help the poor, most were purely villainous, seeking only to better themselves as they stole, raped and pillaged their way through the Caribbean. In the end, most pirates received their due for their violent lifestyle.

The Golden Age of piracy did not last long, but it has left with it innumerable legends and villainous heroes who seem never to fade. The Republic of Pirates tells their true story and tells it well. Dr. Mohler was right. This is a good choice for a summer reading list. It may not offer much of practical or eternal value, but it is a good, fun read. And there’s nothing wrong with that.