PDF The Sea Rover's Practice: Pirate Tactics and Techniques; 1630-1730 by Benerson Little in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The details of the devilsBy El MattadorWe know SEALs do everything 110%--and then some; and the author's work here is characteristicly thorough. Everything you ever wanted to know about the actual life of a pirate. Want to know a few ruses for putting a quick broadside on a pursuing target? Ever wondered what weapons a pirate truly favored and how he (and sometimes she) employed them? What's the difference b/w a buccaneer and a filibuster; or privateer and pirate? What was daily life really like for a 16th/17th century sailor? This book supplies the answers to all that and more. A superb work for anyone wanting to get a true understanding of these fascinating figures. I also highly recommend David Cordingly's Under the Black Flag as a more general companion piece to separate fact from fiction.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The real world of piracyBy BernardZIf you want to know how pirates in the America's worked then this book is for you. If like me you have seen too many Hollywood movies this book is an eye-opener.Piracy was a business. A pirate was a businessman and so any attack would be measured by a commercial cost/benefit analysis first. So it was done as cheaply as possible using commando methods. That is why it is good the writer having been a naval seal knows and understands these methods. Which he discusses well.One doubt on this book I have is it discusses how a professional pirate would have done it; I am sure that many pirates were amateurish. A few people decide to go pirate take over a ship and learn on-the-job. This book only discusses the ideal tactics. Not how it was often done but how it was suppose to be done.I also found it fascinating the discussions of the social structure of the ship. The pirate leader does not have a formal chain of command like the military caption have. He is in charge ultimately because the crew want him to be in charge. If he does not match up to the crews expectations he is out.I hope the writer does a sequel on Muslim and Chinese pirates.PS I even like the recipes at the end and am keen to try them out. I wonder if one of them the rum punch with lime was popular as it would stop scurvy. The medical benefits of citrus foods was known about this time although not proven till the late 1700s.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely OutstandingBy Papa JoeHow many times do you get to read a book on a compelling subject; thoroughly and flawlessly researched; written by a truly gifted and entertaining author. I have copies in paperback and on my Kindle; so when I get tied of the rather dry academic stuff I usually read; I can read a chapter or two of Benerson Little to clear my head. I you have any interest in pirates AT ALL; you MUST read this book!