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THE PIRATE'S HANDBOOK by Margarette Lincoln

THE PIRATE'S HANDBOOK

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Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 1995
Publisher: Cobblehill

Snippets of all things related to pirates fill this intriguing volume, subtitled, ""How to Become a Rogue of the High Seas."" Lincoln (Amazing Boats, 1992) draws heavily from the collection of the National Maritime Museum of London for historical information and artwork. Readers can take a test to see if they have scurvy, learn the language of pirate flags, pick up some terminology, or read about some famous buccaneers (including some who were Asian, some who were female, and some who were both). The author covers what pirates ate and drank, how they divided their spoils, how they were punished, and how they talked and dressed. The typeface and illustrations (including many of Howard Pyle's classics) add an antiquated feel that matches the subject matter perfectly. Unfortunately, much of what's in this volume is also in Rachel Wright's Pirates (1991). Similarities in craft projects, stock illustrations, and even some wording make it seem as if both books emanated from similar source material. Wright's book contains a bit more of information and a bibliography, but Lincoln's is so attractive that it's a natural for book talks and browsing.