Patterns of Pillage [Paperback]

Peter R. Galvin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 23, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0820450251 | ISBN-13: 978-0820450254

Patterns of Pillage offers a fresh, geographical perspective on the story of piracy in and around the Caribbean. It focuses on places associated with the sea rovers of Spanish America: routes, targets, hideaways, rendezvous, and island strongholds. Why did pirates-the likes of Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, and Blackbeard-haunt particular places? How did their spatial strategies develop and change over the centuries? Much of the explanation lies in geographic factors such as winds, ocean currents, coastal features, maritime bottlenecks, historical geopolitics, merchant traffic flow, and the distribution of natural resources. All contributed to patterns of piracy that connected the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Horn, and beyond.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Canonical historical literature of colonization of the New World commonly contains descriptions of pirating that preyed on trade between the New and Old Worlds. Dr. Galvin's innovative study goes one step back of historical fact to analyze the geographic elements instrumental in the location of both trade avenues and pirating. Ingress and egress to the Caribbean Sea were strongly affected by prevailing winds and specific corridors through the West Indies island arc, thereby creating distinct routes and 'choke points' of passage. Pirates and buccaneers were well aware of these geographic constraints, and ladened ships became easy prey. Dr. Galvin's study clearly demonstrates the connection between fundamental geographic conditions and historical events, the links between spatial patterning of New World trade routes and predatory activities of pirates and buccaneers that ensued." -- Donald Vermeer, Research Professor, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (August 23, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820450251
• ISBN-13: 978-0820450254
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,487,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fundamental Resource, April 6, 2010

By 

Benerson Little - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patterns of Pillage (American University Studies Series Xxv, Geography) (Hardcover)

Hands down the best discussion of the influence of geography on piracy, and a fundamental resource for understanding the nature and practice of piracy and privateering. Patterns of Pillage belongs on any short list of titles on piracy. Required reading.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zounds!, March 4, 2001

By 

Howard Means (Newport News, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Patterns of Pillage (Paperback)

What an awesome book about piracy! I learned so much about the subject that I never knew before. Patterns of Pillage goes beyond the usual history and tall tales. It explains where and why piracy occurred in and around the Carribean. A must for anyone planning a vacation to the islands. It will make your trip far more informed and enjoyable.

Maps and pictures are great! Writing is clear and engaging.