THE GREAT DAYS OF PIRACY IN THE WEST INDIES

This is a new path for the author of and and The Story of a frankly we wish he'd stick to his lathe, though he carries his gift for lively narrative into this history of piracy in the West Indies. He goes back to the buccaneers, renegade Englishman who trafficked in salt pork processed in Caribbean island hideaways. Outcasts, indentured servants, remittance men, convicts, all were encouraged to strike a blow at Spanish power. These were the dregs. Then came incidents of particular pirates, specific data on their tools of trade, their way of life. Legends are exploded and myths explored. There were lady pirates too, as witness the tale of Ann Bonny. Woodbury is enchanted with his subject, and a sound historian, using his historical setting of piracy as logical background for the story of Columbus. There are tales of Henry Norgan, of Kidd, of Woodes Rogers, of Cartagena, the Carib Indians, and other bits that fit into the finished picture. Good plus item for boys.