Customer Reviews

The Pirate Trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought *THE PIRATE TRIAL OF ANNE BONNY & MARY READ* in order to write a paper about these women for my Western Civ class. Out of the four books I read about pirates, *THIS* book provided me much more information on these women, by far. It's not large, so it's very easy to read - and provides straightforward, well researched facts in a no nonsense writing style. I found information in this book that I'd never read anywhere else, and the complete transcript of their trial was extremely helpful to me, because it saved me the time and trouble of ordering a copy. Ms. Tamara Eastman states at the end of this book that she is coming out with another book on Anne Bonny and Mary Read very soon. I am anxiously awaiting the next book, because I really enjoyed *THIS* one.

Stephanie C. Cambridge, Massachusetts

I ordered this book and read it with great enthusiasm. I've searched for so long for really good information on these women pirates, yet to date have only managed to find vague, overly embellished material on websites, that seemed to have been written by romance novelists with vivid imaginations. I can't tell you what a great relief it is to find a new book on Anne Bonny and Mary Read that is as close to being scholarly accurate as they come! I would like to thank the authors for their time and effort. I was initially taken aback by the minute size of the book, however I was pleasantly surprised to find it is packed with a great deal of very good information, not to mention some interesting and entertaining illustrations I'd never seen in any other books on pirates. Tamara Eastman promises to delve even deeper in an upcoming biography on Anne Bonny, and I am looking forward to seeing the next book. ~ Barbara

I've held a deep interest in pirates since I was a young boy, and only over the past few years discovered that women stepped into this world. I attended a pirate convention in the Florida Keys a couple of weeks ago to learn more about pirates, in general, and treat my wife and daughters to a few days in the beautiful Keys.
While there I attended a lecture by two authors, Sandra Riley and Tamara Eastman. What a fabulous lecture it was! I learned so much more about the most infamous pirates through listening to these women discuss their research and the work they've done to help dispell various myths and lay these women's true stories open for the world to enjoy. Tamara Eastman autographed a copy of "The Pirate Trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read" for me, and I began to read it on my drive back home. This is one of the VERY BEST books I've ever read about these particular women pirates. It's apparent that Ms. Eastman has spent a great deal of time and effort on her research, as it shows in this book. I must warn potential readers NOT to judge a book by its cover, however. This is a small paperback, with a rather plain cover. In fact, I must say I am not impressed with the cover - and I feel the publisher could have invested a lot more in it. It's a shame to have someone spend as much time as Ms. Eastman obviously has in her painstaking research, only to turn to a publisher that gives such a half assed attempt at putting a decent cover on the book. I'm here to say NOT to judge this book by its size or its outer cover. Because once you start reading it, you cannot put it down until you have finished it. This is an easy task, as Ms. Eastman is a remarkable and gifted writer, and tells these women's stories in such a manner that you easily understand where she's coming from. The forward introduction of the book was written by Ms. Constance Bond, and Ms. Eastman gave me some info about Ms. Bond, including the fact that she's written for Smithsonian. I'm impressed with how the introduction sets the stage for Ms. Eastman's book. Overall, this is a truly remarkable book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the women pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. In talking with Ms. Eastman after the lecture, she informed me that she's beginning a book project with the author, Sandra Riley. Having listened to these two women lecture together, I can only imagine what a great book they'll turn out. I eagerly await this forthcoming masterpiece. I'd also like to thank Ms. Eastman for autographing and giving me the last copy she had with her in Key West. She's not only a terrific writer, but a very kind and generous person, as well. My whole family enjoyed meeting these authors. Incidentally, Ms. Eastman does a terrific job of portraying Anne Bonny, as well. Very convincing. My daughters were thrilled with the show! Mr. Edward Malloy, Miami.

I obtained an autographed copy of this book a couple of weeks ago when the author, Tamara Eastman, came here to Orlando and conducted a book signing. She delivered a lecture beforehand, and I found Mrs. Eastman to be one of the most informative and entertaining speakers I've listened to in a great while. I have read THE PIRATE TRIAL OF ANNE BONNY & MARY READ and found it to be the most straightforward and historically accurate book about these particular pirate women that I've ever read. Mrs. Constance Bond wrote a great introduction to the book, giving us some important historical facts about the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries, and some general background information on Anne Bonny & Mary Read. Then Mrs. Eastman discusses the events that lead up to the pirates being tried in Jamaica, and some of the research she's conducted over the past couple of years. I particularly liked seeing the trial transcript in its entirety, as I had never read the full transcript until now. The authors don't waste a lot of time recanting the numerous unfounded stories that have been circulated throughout the world, but instead present their indepth research in a fresh, matter of fact manner that finally brings the whole story into perspective. For anyone wanting some concrete information about these women pirates, without a lot of time to waste, I would suggest reading THE PIRATE TRIAL OF ANNE BONNY & MARY READ.

Mrs. Denise Lobeck Orlando, Florida

I find it peculiar that this book is listed as "not published," as I just received my copy last week. Having read many books and articles on these women pirates, I've found there has been a serious lack of information on them, and much speculation. This book begins with an introduction by Constance Bond, who orientates the reader with the very world these women entered. Tamara Eastman has presented the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read as I've never seen it before. She appears to have gone to great lengths to avoid the speculation from the past, and has presented new evidence on each of these women. The book is not large, but it is powerfully packed with documented information, some that I'd never seen or heard before. Anyone seeking to uncover the story of the actual events surrounding the piracy career of these women, or who are searching for the truth of what actually befell Anne Bonny, then they may find this book to be a tremendous help to them. The mystery of Anne Bonny is just waiting to be found, and I truly believe this author is very close to discovering it. I rarely ever present a score of five stars, but having read several books on these women pirates, I feel this one is the best, by far.

I must agree with all the on-line comments so far. That Ms. Eastman has wrote a WONDERFUL book. I know that the cover isn't much to look at, but when I had the opportunity to read the book I was a Historical Interpreter and it was perfect in simplicity to hide from visitors going through my tours. I read it every chance I got, and as a pirate storyteller I KNOW for a fact that it added to my ability to portray a more appropriate female pirate. After having met and spent time with Ms. Eastman not only is her book wonderful, but so is she! Being able to talk with her one on one was a real treasure! Just as this book! Thank you for doing so much work and research! I can tell you enjoy it!

I've purchased this book used, and have to say I agree with the man from Miami (December 2001) who stated he was not impressed with the cover of the book. If I were to see this book in a store, it very likely would not pique my interest enough to bother giving it a second glance. However, this is a good case example of "never judge a book by its cover." Tamara Eastman has obviously gone to great lengths to bring the story of these women pirates into a more realistic light. Instead of repeating the countless myths that perpetuate these women, Ms. Eastman has dug below the surface, helping to lay many of these myths to rest. I've read a good number of expensive, elegantly bound books on pirates - and yet none of them impressed me quite as much as this paperback book that the publisher apparently didn't go to much length to dress up. For only a couple of bucks, I was able to purchase this book (used) and learn far more about the pirates, Bonny and Read, than I have anywhere else, prior.

I'd be very interested in reading more of Tamara Eastman's work, as I'd never heard of her, prior to reading this book, and am quite impressed with her writing.

Ashley Davis
Burrowsville, Virginia

I've seen a lot of trashy myths when reading about these girl pirates but I really liked -The pirate trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read- The whole book is presented in an easy to read style and the authors have done a great job of telling these two ladies story in such a way that it is very well understood by the reader. Another thing I like about this book is that I didn't have to wade through a bunch of -B.S.- stories like you do in a lot of other books about lady pirates. Instead of telling the same stories over again these authors have provided very good facts about them that they've found in their research. The complete trial notes are an added bonus to an already very good book. I recommend this book.

Ms.Eastman...Lost your email address but just wanted to say congratulations on an excellent book! It puts all others to shame (including my own!) and was well done. Best wishes and I've advised everyone in the 'Frisco bay area to get a copy. Mace Taxco-one@webtv.net

Pitiful book filled with more conjecture than fact. The writer feels the need to skip around Mary and Bonny's stories so that she can throw in tidbits of OTHER pirates' histories as well as her interpretation of what "might" have happened. I really hope there's a GREAT book of Anne and Mary out there, cause this ain't it!