Discovering Pirates

By Richard Platt

Exciting illustrations put wind in the sails of the most famous pirates as they travel the seven seas in search of treasure and adventure. This children's book includes a wealth of information on what life was like on the high seas: what pirates ate, what they wore, and what they did while they were out to sea.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589802276
• ISBN13: 9781589802278
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 10.4" x 12.1"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

BLACKBEARD, BUCCANEERS, AND BOOTY

Pirates, as author Richard Platt quickly makes clear, were an unsavory lot to say the least. Wonderful full-color illustrations of these grizzly fellows also leave no doubt that they were men to be avoided at all costs. That was not as easy as it sounds because early mariners on the Mediterranean (some 5,000 years ago) had no defense when overtaken by a merciless crew who stole what they had and often sold the seamen for slaves. During the 16th century Spanish ships carried the greatest booty in gold and silver stolen from the Aztecs and Incas. Even the English, led by Sir Francis Drake, raided Spanish treasure. Famous pirates aren't overlooked - Blackbeard, of course, one of the cruelest and most intimidating physically. His real name was Edward Teach; it's said he was so fierce that it took five gun shots and 20 sword wounds to kill him. An English pirate, Henry Avery, made his fortune in piracy as did William Kidd. Illustrations of pirate ships, their weapons, and flags are also discussed, and a visit to Treasure Island is included. "Discovering Pirates" is a valuable resource as well as entertaining reading for those interested in the buccaneers who once roamed the seas. - Gail Cooke