In spite of the title, "The Pirates of the New England Coast, 1630-1730", this book is not restricted to pirate activities in that region, though it is restricted to pirates who at some point did appear on the New England Coast. To that extent, and my main interest in this particular book, was the extensive coverage of the depredations and heinous crimes of Ned Low, one of the nastiest pieces of piratical work operating in the era. In fact, about 40% of the book is devoted to Low and his evil associates. Sam Bellamy, alas, one of the most successful gets but a single chapter; since this is an older book, the reader receives no intelligence of the later finding on Cape Cod of his ship nor the treasure which was recovered from it.
This volume should rank as one of the "classics" of pirate literature, though also one of the newer ones, appearing first in 1923. No bibliography of sources is provided, but much of the material in it was extracted from mainly 18th Century pamphlets and other publications, the covers of which are sprinkled as illustrations throughout. There are also footnoted references citing contemporary newspaper stories describing pirate activities, testimonies of victims, reports on trials, and (often mass) executions. Unfortunately, one source often dipped into is the 1724 book by Captain Charles Johnson which is of some questionable reliability; this is especially the case with his "Vol. 2" of 1728, which is encrusted with fantasy, such as the fancy speech given by Bellamy. This leads to a highly inaccurate history of the man who was without question New England's greatest pirate (one of the the greatest of all time in fact), Thomas Tew of Newport, R.I. -- do not believe the nonsense printed in this volume about Tew and his involvement with a utopian pirate colony, it was mainly based on that of Capt. Johnson (who, in reality, was either Daniel Defoe or Nathaniel Mist). I had hoped for a good biography of Tew, not this; it would appear that not much is really known about him.
There are two sections in this work which need mentioning that are of questionable truth, but which have historic value. One is the account of Philip Ashton, first published in Boston, 1725, who was kidnapped by Ned Low, held prisoner on his ship, then escaped to an uninhabited island, and finally returned home almost 3 years later. The tale as it told does have a ring of truth about it, and it would appear his existence is documented in contemporary sources. Not so the case with a similar account of a prisoner of Low, Captain George Roberts (that which is published herein is an extract of very much longer book which first appeared in 1726). The Roberts' account would appear in part to be a crib of the Ashton account, reads like an over-wordy novel, and paints Low as a somewhat nicer fellow than any other account of him, including Ashton, would lead one to believe. Further, the actual existence of George Roberts has been questioned; some believe this was, again, a creation of Daniel Defoe.
So, there is much to question in this book, which does not distract from the fact that it is still one of the classic books on pirates and may still be read for enjoyment. At only about 100 years old, it is somewhat easier for the modern reader than Capt. Johnson's 300 year old "General History". Like many other books on this subject, it is a mixture of fact and fiction, though the authors, G.F. Dow and J.H. Edmonds, did appear to try to present an accurate history. The problem is most of the original sources, being from the early 18th Century, are themselves questionable at best, and many were published as lurid stories to sell books, sensationalized newspaper stories, or pamphlets written foremost to sell, but also with often religious or moral messages as their secondary goal. Probably the most accurate material is that within court records, but that consisted mainly of "not guilty" pleas with officialdom trying to sort out the real pirates from "forced men" or those being held prisoner. History is messy; pirate (and other criminal) history especially so.
Add Prime
to get Fast, Free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
This item: The Pirates of the New England Coast 1630-1730 (Dover Maritime)
$19.95
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26
Only 9 left in stock (more on the way).
+
$17.20
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26
Only 11 left in stock - order soon.
+
$15.78
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 26
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2015
- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
- Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2000
Top reviews from other countries
- Brian RussellReviewed in Canada on December 19, 2022
very good factual info about pirates in late 1600's and early 1700s
-
Sabine LippertReviewed in Germany on July 31, 2017
Berühmte Piraten Amerikas - eine Sammlung
