Book history of the seas that dispels pirate myths

PIRATES: Predators of the Seas. By Angus Konstam with Roger Michael Kean. Skyhorse Publishing. 240 pages. $29.95.

Angus Konstam's "Pirates: Predators of the Seas," looks like a gorgeous, oversized coffee-table book, but it is actually a very good historical overview of pirates and piracy. Konstam and co-author Roger Michael Kean are well-respected maritime historians and authors, both with extensive writings on pirates.

"Pirates" is a sumptuous book, lavishly illustrated to enrich the narrative text. It is a salt-water feast of Caribbean islands, colorful pirate attire, weapons, flags, maps, a plethora of sailing ships and ferocious battles at sea.

Included are some of the most stunning works of art ever created by Howard Pyle and other famous artists.

The book also seeks to dispel pirate myths. It presents the historical truth about pirates and piracy from ancient times to modern, all over the world.

For example, Konstam writes that there is "no evidence that pirates made prisoners walk the plank, but he discusses and shows graphic illustrations of other pirate tortures like barbecuing a captive alive; and shooting captives with pistols for target practice.

There is an excellent narrative on the most notorious "pyrates" such as Capt. Kidd (William Kidd, who was a failure as a pirate and didn't deserve his notoriety), Thomas Tew, Edward England, Blackbeard (Edward Teach), "Calico" Jack Rackham, Bartholomew Roberts and two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

The authors do not omit "esteemed man of letters" Stede Bonnet, with his skull-and-bones Jolly Roger with "dagger for battle, heart for life," who was hanged at White Point in Charleston in November 1718 with 30 of his crew.

For those who love artwork and illustrations dealing with pirates and the sea, this book will be an utterly enjoyable experience.

But those who are more interested in history will appreciate it as well.