The era of piracy in the caribbean began in the 1500s and died out in the 1830s after the navies of the nations of western europe and north america with colonies in the caribbean began combating pirates. In the early eighteenth century a number of the great pirate captains, including edward 'blackbeard' teach and 'black sam' bellamy, joined forces. This infamous 'pirating gang' was more than simply a thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the old and new worlds. What you will discover: •The real pirates of history – meet blackbeard, anne bonny, captain kidd, and the many ruthless buccaneers who ruled the seas. •Pirate myths busted – think they all buried treasure and made their victims walk the plank? Think again. •Epic battles & high-seas plunder – relive the thrilling raids, naval clashes, and daring escapes that made pirates feared across the world. •Secret hideouts & pirate havens – from nassau to madagascar, discover the lawless strongholds where pirates built their own empires. •From the ancient world to modern piracy – explore the evolution of piracy, from barbarossa’s ottoman fleet to today’s high-tech hijackers. You’ll learn about the brutal codes pirates lived by, the secret tricks they used to survive storms and battles, and the strange beliefs that guided them across the open ocean. You’ll meet real captains who were more unpredictable than anything on screen, along with crews who built their own rules, their own laws and their own ways of life. This book gives you the truth behind the myths. If you think you know pirates, think again.