‘It's no use pretending that these criminals do not evoke admiration - even envy. Part of the appeal is the democratic nature of their activities, characterised as far back as the fourteenth century by Klaus Stortebeker thieving in the Baltic - his crew were called the 'Likedeelers', the equal sharers. Author Terry Breverton has brought together the extraordinary stories of 144 pirates throughout history. They include Norman privateers, Barbary Corsairs, Elizabethan adventurers, Chinese pirates, 'the Brethren of the coast' - and of course the pirates of the Caribbean.’ ‘…this is a carefully researched history of real seafarers from across the globe, not just a collection of tall tales.’ ‘a catalogue of real historical figures. A gross of them, in fact, categorised into eras and cultures... Each account is engaging and informative.' In short, if you are an academic or writer with even a remote interest in the sea and its history, this book will give you endless resources. If you are just a lover of history or the sea, this will be an engaging and fascinating collection. If you simply like to read something fun, then this is actually for you too. Read. Enjoy.'