The Only Life That Mattered

The Short and Merry Lives of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackham

By: James L. Nelson

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Fed up with an outlaw existence, Calico Jack Rackam swears off the pirate life, but he hasn’t reckoned with Anne Bonny, a woman who would as soon stab a man as give him a good tumble—that is, unless he’s a pirate. Soon Jack finds himself out on the high seas again, with Anne by his side and his men spoiling for action. And when they capture a Dutch merchant ship, they pick up an unlikely crewmate as well, an expert sword fighter and topmast seaman who has a secret: he just happens to be a woman named Mary.

Together Jack, Anne, and Mary cut a bold swath through the West Indies, stealing naval sloops, plundering rich merchant ships, and choosing to live a life of freedom—the only life that mattered.

©2004 James L. Nelson (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Well written

Story of these amazing ladies woven thru historical roots telling an interesting tale and another pirate saga

Fantastic

Well written and well performed. Nicely done. I liked everything about this story and the narration

One of my favorite sea stories

When I ordered this book I didn’t realize it was a work of historical novel, but it is an extremely well researched, written and performed piece. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the history of pirates or the those who simply seek a captivating salty tale.

Masterful Storytelling!

James Nelson sure can tell a story! His ability to tell a historical tale and fill the gaps where needed is amazing! Also, very well read by Kate Reading as well.

YES! AND IT'S ALL TRUE!

WHAT a great book. Highly recommended, and certainly a must-read for fans of Nelson's work. Read 'THE ONLY LIFE THAT MATTERED' by James L. Nelson... "Historical Note. The story of Anne Bonny, Mary Reed and Calico Jack Rackham is true. This book could not have been written otherwise. As it is, the coincidences and extraordinary events that make up their lives are quite incredible. If this story were fiction, it would be too much to believe..." ...