Pirates by Mitchell, David - 1976

An excellent and beautifully presented overview of the history and world of piracy. Mitchell asks and answers some stimulating questions, including: when and why did piracy begin?; who became pirates; what was the difference between 'pure' pirates and apparently more legitimate counterparts; and why did piracy start to decline? The author covers a huge range, not just the Spanish Main and the South Seas, but Viking, Arab and Malay raiders, the little known Uskoks, and the many female pirates. All the big names are also present, including Kidd, Blackbeard, Drake and Bloodaxe.

An excellent copy. Pages are bright and clean, no markings, creases or writing, and either unread or very carefully read. Literally three or four light foxing spots on the top edge. Cloth boards tight and clean. DJ is unclipped, in excellent condition with only minor shelfwear at the top. All now protected in professional clear book wrapper. 208pp, 86 colour and B&W illustrations and maps, index and bibliography