Pirates cover art

Pirates

A New History, from Vikings to Somali Raiders

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Pirates

By: Peter Lehr
Narrated by: Matthew Waterson
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About this listen

A global account of pirates and their modus operandi from the middle ages to the present day...

In the 21st century, piracy has regained a central place in Western culture, thanks to a surprising combination of Johnny Depp and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as well as the dramatic rise of modern-day piracy around Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

In this global history of the phenomenon, maritime terrorism and piracy expert Peter Lehr casts fresh light on pirates. Ranging from the Vikings and Wako pirates in the Middle Ages to modern day Somali pirates, Lehr delves deep into what motivates pirates and how they operate. He also illuminates the state's role in the development of piracy throughout history: from privateers sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth to pirates operating off the coast of Africa taking the law into their own hands. After exploring the structural failures which create fertile ground for pirate activities, Lehr evaluates the success of counter-piracy efforts - and the reasons behind its failures.

©2019 Peter Lehr (P)2019 Tantor Armed Forces Military Naval Forces Social Sciences World Pirate Africa Middle Ages Imperialism Royalty Latin American

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All stars
Most relevant
I felt a little disappointed in this book... Don't get me wrong it was very informative and an easy listen (it flew by) but there was an awful lot on modern piracy and being a bit of a history junky I couldn't help but wish there was a bit more Queen Anne's Revenge and a little less Captain Phillips. Still an interesting listen to wet the piratical apatite. :)

Good overview

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This book reads like an academic lecture, explaining the whys and hows of pirating rather than an entertaining anthology of swashbuckling legend.

Chapters are very short making an ideal commute or something to nod off to.(sorry!)

An easy listen to pass time.

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