Customer Reviews

Caribbean Pirates: A Treasure Chest of Fact, Fiction, and Folklore

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As he did with his books on Harry Potter and Stephen King, George Beahm has done it again with CARIBBEAN PIRATES: He has taken the historically rich subject of pirates and presented just about everything you could possibly want to know about them in a readable, accessible format. The book bills itself as a treasure chest of fact and lore and that is, in fact, the term that immediately comes to mind when you pick the book up. It is gorgeously designed with a great array of photos; it has beautiful French flaps that open to a full-size map on the end papers. Inside, the design is equally lush and appealing. The photos, many of which were taken by the author, span the gamut of pirate history, legend, and popular culture.

But what makes a book worthy of a reader's time and money is not its design, but its content. What's inside. And in this, Beahm also delivers spectacularly. The first section, "Pirate Fact and Fiction," is essentially a "Pirates FAQ." A question is asked; an answer is provided. And the questions are irresistible: "Did pirates consult voodoo priestesses?" "Did pirates use marooning as a punishment?" "Did pirates make their victims walk the plank?" And dozens more, all of which are answered clearly, and are great fun to read. (And I won't spoil said fun by providing the answers!)

The second part of the book is called "A Pirate's Life for You" and is basically a "how-to" on how to speak, dress, and live like a pirate. This, too is great fun. There's also a pirates quiz, and sections on pirate books, movies, websites, and memorabilia. There's also a glossary of pirate terms, including a section on "Insulting Terms." You'll learn that calling someone a "bilge rat" is a great way to start a fight, if you're so inclined.

The Disney PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN films have spurred interest in all things pirate, and George Beahm's CARIBBEAN PIRATES is the perfect companion to the whole pirate experience. It's concise, clearly written, historically accurate, and, above all, a delight to read. Recommended.

I'd like to add my voice to the chorus of praise for Beahm's latest volume!

Despite its pirate-booty of information on the hard facts and history of pirate life, the book remains completely accessible and as breezy as a Caribbean night. Young adult readers in particular, their curiosity piqued by the Disney films, will find CARIBBEAN PIRATES an enticing port of entry to the legendary world of piracy.

So, if it's a pirate's life for you, pour yourself a flagon of grog and set sail with Captain "Scurvy Dog" Beahm and his loyal crew of cutthroats. Yo ho, me mateys!

This truly is a "gem" of a book, as one reviewer already noted. Using Disney's efforts--both on film and in theme parks--as his tie-in, the author adroitly and pithily talks about pirate culture, and does so in a way that will fascinate young adult as well as adult readers. Smartly organized, beautifully illustrated, this book is a good read and would make a terrific gift.

Well Over a year ago, I was gifted with this book by me Mentor, Ms.Rose, on the condition I write a review of said tome. Well, Here 'tis. If Ye be lookin' for a serious history of Pyracy-continue your search. I might recommend "The Complete Idiots Guide to Pirates" by Me Mate Gail Selinger,
amongst other fyne works.But if your looking for a light, POTC inspired overview,this book certainly has it's share of enjoyable bits.The Author
seems to be a bit of a Gun for Hire, taking aim at Pop phenomenas such as Harry Potter and the like. And though not a Disney Publication, with art by Tim Kirk and it's many references to the films and the rides,Mr.Beahm
Utilizes the "Pirates of the Caribbean" associations as the central conceit of His Work.This is,however,a pretty good sourcebook for those budding Pirate Performers and Re-enactors as it provides exposure to many established Festivals,Groups and most importantly "No Quarter Given" Magazine, the best Pirate Journal out there.All in all, a nice, well illustrated addition to any collection, if Ye can get it at a good price.

RtR

I bought this book to accompany a Captain Morgan Nutcracker I made for our daughter. I was surprised with the book and almost kept it for myself. It has a store of interesting info about piracy, and some interesting sidelights on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie series. Very much worth the price

The book arrived timely and was in excellent condition. I would trust this supplier again.

I am giving this to a Grand Child for Christmas, he is crazy for Pirates and will love this...along with the wonderful drawings.

I purchased this book because I thought my nephew would enjoy it. However I began reading it before I gave it as a gift and I could not put it down. George Beahm did a wonderful job researching the topic. The art work was also very good, My nephew thought it was a great book also. He is taking it with him on his next trip to Florida so he can visit some of the places mentioned.

This is an excellent book for those who want a good broad general referance of pirates and pirate life. It's a little heavy on Disney but it covers a lot of ground from famous or infamous Pirates, the types of ships and the colors they flew, to weapons, tactics and a lot more. A fun and informitive read for anyone wanting to know more about those fasinating sea rouges...PIRATES. Excellent artwork by Tim Kirk.

This is a great book.
I found myself staying up till the wee hours reading George Beahm's Caribbean Pirates.

The art work is amazing. The lay out and presentation of information wonderfully done. The photos of Museum pieces and replica items are mesmerizing. Comparing reality/history to Disney's Pirate movies is great - so much to learn, so easily taught in this book.

I'd say anyone with even the slightest interest in Pirates should read or have this book read to them. Although maybe not an easy read for the very young, it is something they would enjoy.

I love the not quite hard back but not paperback cover, the heavy duty hi gloss pages. It is a well put together book all the way around.