Following the pirate scourge of the early 18th century, many sea captains took to privateering as a means of making money. A form of nationally sponsored piracy

Before the era of great pirates in the early 18th century, there was an even more bloodthirsty phase of attacks in the Caribbean known as the 'Buccaneering Era'

During the American War of Independence (1775–83), Congress issued almost 800 letters of marque, as a way of combating Britain's overwhelming naval and mercan

The deeds and personalities of famous pirates have received significant attention in recent years: however, no detailed depiction of their vessels has ever been

The deeds and personalities of famous pirates have received significant attention in recent years: however, no detailed depiction of their vessels has ever been