Pirates & Privateers from Long Island Sound to Delaware Bay

Pirates & Privateers from Long Island Sound to Delaware Bay

Illicit commerce was key to the survival of the mid-Atlantic colonies from the Golden Age of piracy to the battles of the American Revolution. Out of this exciting time came beloved villains like Captain William Kidd and Black Sam Bellamy as well as inspiring locals like Captain Shelley and James Forten.  From the shores of New York to the oceans of the East Indies, from Delaware Bay to the islands of the West Indies, author Jamie L.H. Goodall illuminates the height of piratical depredations in the mid-Atlantic in the 17th and 18th centuries. "Corruption, of course, is a main theme throughout the book, and while some information can be found elsewhere, much of it is not only particular to the regions of Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay, but is also rarely discussed in other volumes...This is a worthwhile addition to pirate history and incorporates a lot of information in a small volume at a reasonable price. 5 stars!" -Cindy Vallar "This is a writer who doesn't take herself too seriously. Don't be fooled, though. Jamie L.H. Goodall's "Pirates & Privateers from Long Island Sound to Delaware Bay" is a meticulously researched work...One of the key strengths of Goodall's work lies in her ability to humanize pirates and privateers by examining their lives, motivations, and experiences. She skillfully weaves together archival sources, such as court records, personal letters, and newspaper accounts, to create vivid portraits of individuals involved in piracy and privateering...[the book] remains a valuable contribution to the field of maritime history. Goodall's meticulous research, attention to detail, and ability to humanize her subjects create a compelling and enlightening account of piracy and privateering in the coastal waters between Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay." -Dave Tabler When writing a book, it can often feel like an isolating venture; just you, the archival material and your words—just you, the computer and the auto-save function you hoped you remembered to activate. But the creation of a book is truly built in community. Such an endeavor necessitates technical, editorial and moral support. I am immensely grateful to everyone who helped make this book possible. Illicit commerce was key to the survival of the mid-Atlantic colonies from the Golden Age of piracy to the battles of the American Revolution. Out of this exciting time came beloved villains like Captain William Kidd and Black Sam Bellamy as well as inspiring locals like Captain Shelley and James Forten. From the shores of New York to the oceans of the East Indies, from Delaware Bay to the islands of the West Indies, author Jamie L.H. Goodall illuminates the height of piratical depredations in the mid-Atlantic in the 17th and 18th centuries. Jamie L.H. Goodall, PhD, is a historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History in Washington, DC. She has a PhD in history from The Ohio State University, with specializations in Atlantic world, early American, and military histories. Goodall is an expert on Golden Age piracy and has published with The History Press/Arcadia Publishing, the Washington Post, and National Geographic. She lives in Northern Virginia with her partner, Kyle, and their Boxers, Thomas Jefferson and John Tyler. You can find her and her #SwashbucklinStoryTime on Twitter: @L_Historienne.