Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pirates

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is just darn solid. There is a ton of information on everything from pirate clothes to their lifestyle to where they lived and who they were. You even get a history lesson on pirating which goes back to the Romans.

The book seems to do a remarkable in that it gives you just enough detail but not so much that you are begging for a chapter to end. Every time I started to get bored I'd turn the page and I'd be at the end of the chapter. It's always just enough to be informative and not so much that you get bored.

At the same time, because it covers a lot of ground, you may not learn as much about someone you wanted to know more about. Pirates often come and go in a couple of pages but then this book isn't selling itself as an in-depth historical treatise. If you want a book on a specific individual or facet of pirate life seek elsewhere.

Overall, it's a fast, informative, good read and well deserving of 5-stars.

Whether your taste in pirates leans toward Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp or Robert Louis Stevenson's creations, you'll enjoy this book. It's a treasure chest's worth of facts and history that brings to life the true story (often more interesting than the fictionalized version!) behind the pirates of film, novel, and legend. Open the book to any page, and you're sure to find a fascinating tidbit that you didn't know. I was surprised to learn how many common expressions ("going off half-cocked") had their origins in the pirate life. The appendices are a fun addition for anyone wanting to delve further into pirate lore or pirate reenactment groups.

My only small quibble is that the book covered so much about the subject that sometimes only a few lines were devoted to a particular topic before the author moved onto the next one, leaving me wanting to know more. But, overall, a fun-filled sail through pirate history that is guaranteed to shiver the reader's timbers!

I purchased this book at a book signing .I thought I was knowledgeable about pirates, but Ms. Selinger taught me a think or two! I found this book to be easy and fast, plus you could skip around to your favorite parts.She brought up many interesting but not as recognized characters like Grace O'Malley for instance. Her love for the sea and pirates is clear and she passionately tries to pass this on to her readers. I found this book to be interesting and overflowing with information.! I wish I had it as a reference in school. I would recommend it highly! I give it five swords!

I enjoyed reading the book as it took it from the basics to the cut throat antics of those long since washed up(pardon the pun) adventurers. The historical aspect is interesting as very few authors will give the good and the bad of the cutthroats we all are at heart. If you like pirate stories or movies you'll love this book. Enjoy the plunder of a good read!

This is an excellent source for those who are just starting out learning about pirates or for any one who does not like to read those long, boring, text book like histories. Incredibly accurate, and easy to read, the whole text is dotted with wit and humor that makes this a pleasure to read over and over again. Plus it has an unbelievable large bibliography, which is a must for any book on history.

Let's put it this way, my 14-year-old cousin, who usually cannot sit still for a minute, spent the whole day reading this book. This is the good stuff.

Don't be fooled by the title...it's not for "Idiots". As a charter sailing captain in a historically active pirate location I found this book accurate and concise. Local lore and tales were supported by facts presented in the book. Quick and easy reading will help increase the effectiveness of the sailing tours I conduct. Also some neat tidbits about the life of a pirate and how actually unglamourous it was.

I have probably read almost every Pirate or Treasure book associated with the subject. I own lots of books and enjoy brushing up on facts that are known and look for small clues in each book to help me in finding some of the loot. The book is easy to read and has some great clues for the researcher. Contrary to popular belief, pirates did bury alot of their ill-gotten gains in hopes of coming back for it or retiring with it.

I was the security officer on the S.S. Universe for the Semester At Sea program in 1993. As we traveled from Malaysia to India we had to have people posted around the ship on the lookout for pirates. The crew ran pumped water the whole night ready to repel and blast any pirates trying to board us. I have always been fascinated with pirates but this incident has encouraged me to read more about their lifestyle and history. How does one become a pirate? The Complete Idiot's Guide is a wonderful overview and historical reference without all the glamour of movies. I knew Ancient Greece had to contend with pirates but not how pirates were tried to be rehabilitated into farmers after they had been caught. Women were pirates throughout history as well. Pirating during the American Revolution was a way of life as well as the modern day pirates we hear about in the news. The book is an enjoyable read for those who want to learn about history and the role of pirates in history. The extra sidebars of information "Knowing the Ropes" and "Treasure Chest" might come in handy for future reading of the Patrick O'Brian books or Horatio Hornblower series.

Wonderful for all pirate fans. An easy to follow layout, keeps the reader wanting more.

I LOVE pirates and have most books and movies you can get on the subject. This is a must have if you love pirates.