THE PIRATE PICTURE

(RAYNER THROWER)

A fascinating study in which Dr. Thrower shows the progress of piracy from remote times up to the middle of the last century, when the establishment of British naval power signalled its virtual demise.  This has involved research from contemporary sources; Homer, Aristotle and Herodotus, for instance, shed light on some unexpected facets of early piracy in the Mediterranean, while more recent events are described by eye-witnesses such as Hackluyt and Hans Sloane.

Since piracy is surrounded by much myth and folklore, Dr. Thrower has succeeded in ridding the subject of some of its popular misconceptions, without detracting from the extraordinary achievements of the pirates.  In most cases their lives were unromantic, sordid and likely to end on the gallows; but they were also capable of heroic feats of bravery and endurance, and those very attributes could, on some occasions, change the course of international history.  The foreign policies of European governments were affected by piracy.  For several centuries much of Spain’s wealth, for instance, came from the West Indies and South America and pirate intervention reached such proportions that the home government had to regard the pirate threat very seriously.  A dual attitude often developed, with one government encouraging unofficial action by its privateers on another’s trading ships while professing itself to be at peace with that country.

Dr. Thrower’s research reveals many interesting aspects of pirate life, from the tactics evolved by the early Mediterranean corsairs to their development in later days by pirates and buccaneers along all the trade routes of the world.  As a result of his skilful use of primary sources, the author often portrays events so vividly that they speak for themselves, as in the fascinating stories of Captains Snelgrove and Roberts; and his treatment of first-hand accounts afford great insight into the lives and activities of pirates, and actively involve the imagination of the reader.

Dr. Thrower presents a readable and factual account, which should become an essential reference-work on piracy.

ISBN 0 85033 357 1

This 1980 1^st edition hardback publication is in very good overall condition.  The pages are tightly bound and are free from tears, creases, and significant marks.  The dustjacket displays only light rubbing and very minor bumps to the edges and corners (see photograph).  The book runs to 171 pages (21.5cm x 13cm), includes a general index and a name index, plus an additional 8 pages of illustrative plates.