Osprey Elite 74 : Privateers and Pirates 1730-1830

Following the pirate scourge of the early 18th century, sea captains took to privateering as a means of making money. A form of nationally sponsored piracy, it reached its peak during the American Revolution, when the fledgling American navy had to rely on privateers to disrupt British shipping between England and the rebellious colonies. Following peace in 1815, many former privateers turned to piracy, spawning the last great piratical wave, which would last for a decade. The world of these privateers and latter-day pirates comes vividly to life in this detailed exploration of their ships, crews, ports and battle tactics. Text by Angus Konstam with illustrations by Angus McBride.

Contents

• Introduction
• Background and Sources
• Privateering in the Americas
• The Last Pirates
• Privateering Crews
• The Maritime Art of War
• Privateer Captains
• Privateering ports
• The Last Pirate Dens
• Privateering vessels
• The Anti-Piracy campaign
• Bibliography
• Commentary on Colour Artwork