A General History of the Pyrates: Pirate Captains, Crews, Ships, and Laws Paperback – April 18, 2014

This book was originally published under the pseudonym Captain Charles Johnson in 1724, contemporary with most of the pirate whose careers it recounts.The book was definitely not written by Daniel Dafoe (his "Robinson Crusoe" which draws on the same material is the reason for this attribution), but probably by Nathaniel Mist, to whom the copyright was issued.This book is inexpensive since it does not add any copyrighted material - no preface, essays, commentary, etc. - just the original book. But that is a challenge to many of the people reading and reviewing it here, who expect a modern treatment for a modern audience instead of just a 300 year old book. You really need to know what it is, its significance, in order to properly appreciate it.The author clearly interviewed many people connected with the Golden Age of Piracy, including Woodes Rogers who worked to end the reign of the pirates. The accounts given in this book are important historical records of the events that are recorded - though of course must be used with other sources of documentation (diaries, legal records, etc.).This book, which was very popular, created the modern conception of pirates and piracy.A good companion book to read is "The Republic of Pirates" by Colin Woodward, who extensively researched the topic, and writes a modern account of the events that is structurally similar, with chapters devoted to the different major pirates.

To be clear, this is NOT a fictional account per se, but rather a history of sorts written during (and presumably just at the end of) the golden age of piracy. That said, the accounts provided here form the basis of much of how pirates have been written about in the intervening years. The actions (and demise) of the likes of Edward Teach ("Blackbeard"), Charles Vane, and Anne Bonny Mayr Read and John Rackham are all recounted here as well as a number of other lesser-known brigands. Those seeking stories akin to Stevenson's Long John Silver or Conrad's Lord Jim will be disappointed - the value of this book is more historical in nature, and even so ought be taken with some measure of skepticism (as with all contemporary documents.)A fascinating read, know what you are getting into, lest you be disappointed.

This log of pirate activityis a truly harrowing account of men who wantonly plied may waters in search of unsuspecting vessels to not only plunder but terrorize and murder mariitiime crews and is compelling and horrifying to read and absorb

Wonderful book on the history of pirates. It's a little tough to read because it's truly the grammar of 1725, but it's detailed and the closest to a first hand account we have. He covers all the main pirates we know, and gives a good account of each.

I have noticed that almost every non-fiction (and fiction) book or movie on the subject sources heavily from this book. So, well, there ya go.If you can get past the Ye Olde Englishe spelling and the flowery language, this is a pretty awesome book.Heck, it's a paperback book, just buy it and quit agonizing over it. What is wrong with you?

Hard to read. No punctuation and the language was difficult to read or understand. I was disappointed in book. But that my opinion. You might like it.

Who was Capt. Charles Johnson? No one knows for sure but he wrote an amazing history of the pirates during their golden age. Published in 1724 the book serves as the primary source for biographies of famous pirates and tells tales of pirate lore. It's a fascinating read and ends too quickly. Be a kid again and always be a pirate!!!

A classic - everyone who likes pirates should read it. An old history of pirates written right after the golden age of pirating.