Why We Love Pirates

The Hunt for Captain Kidd and How He Changed Piracy Forever

By: Rebecca Simon PhD

Narrated by: Kate Mulligan

During his life and even after his death, Captain William Kidd’s name was known around England and the American colonies. He was infamous for the very crime for which he was hanged, piracy. This book by Rebecca Simon dives into the details of the two-year manhunt for Captain Kidd and the events that ensued afterward. Captain Kidd was hanged in 1701, and from that sprung a massive hunt for all pirates led by the British during a period known as the Golden Age of Piracy. Ironically, public executions only led to pirates’ growth in popularity and interest. In addition, because the American colonies relied on pirates for smuggled goods such as spices, wines, and silks, they sought to protect pirates from being captured.

The more pirates were hunted and executed, the more people became supportive of them. They felt for the “Robin Hoods of the Sea” - both because they saw the British’s treatment of them as an injustice and because they treasured the goods that pirates brought to them. These historical events were pivotal in creating the portrayal of pirates as we know them today. They grew into romantic antiheroes - which ultimately led to characters like the mischievous but lovable Captain Jack Sparrow. Simon has presented her research on the history of pirates around the world, and now she’s bringing the spectacular story of Captain Kidd to her listeners.

Learn more about:

• One of the most famous pirates in history
• Real life pirates and the brutal executions they faced
• The origin of our romanticized view of pirates

©2020 Rebecca Simon (P)2020 by Blackstone Publishing

Just what you might expect

I enjoyed this book. After having read a few other books on pirates, this one pulls a lot of it together!
It is so presently read that it is a pleasure to listen to throughout!

Great Book!!! LOVED IT!!!

I have read and listened to many, many, pirate books and this book is by far the best. Factual, funny, great story teller, and compelling. I have listened to this book about 5 times and it never gets boring or old! I recommend this book to any pirate affectionate. You will not be disappointed... LOVED IT!

I loved it!

After reading ''Pirate Queens'' by Rebecca Simon I knew that I would love this book too.

Repetitive

Gracious, I think the author describes how pirates are hung in detail at least three times. There is interesting information but the repetitiveness of the material is overwhelming. The author is obviously trying to reach a word count. This is the type book that could be reduced to a few chapters and you wouldn’t miss a thing.

Gracious, this book is very repetitive...

Gracious, the author is so repetitive I thought the recording was repeating the same chapter over and over...

Gracious...

Sorry, am I repeating myself? I wanted to make a lengthy comment.

History of Pirates.

As one who loves the history of pirates this is a great book. Informative and educational. Great narration.