Lafitte the Pirate

By Lyle Saxon and Lyle Saxton

Book Overview

"Lafitte the Pirate" is a compelling biographical account of one of the most enigmatic figures in American history. Lyle Saxon brings to life the story of Jean Lafitte, the legendary privateer who operated out of Barataria Bay during the early 19th century. Part hero and part villain, Lafitte's complex legacy is explored through his involvement in the smuggling trade, his strategic brilliance, and his pivotal role during the War of 1812.

The narrative captures the vibrant and lawless atmosphere of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, where Lafitte and his band of followers navigated the shifting loyalties of empires. Saxon blends historical research with narrative flair, illustrating how Lafitte's contributions to General Andrew Jackson's forces helped secure a crucial American victory against the British at the Battle of New Orleans. This work delves into the myths and realities surrounding the "Gentleman Pirate," providing a vivid portrait of a man who remains a symbol of intrigue and adventure in the annals of Southern history. It serves as an essential read for those interested in maritime lore and the formative years of the American South.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025403649
• ISBN13: 9781025403649
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Lafitte the Pirate

This is my favorite privateer!! According to the El Lago Historical Society, Lafitte used to come to our neighborhood to hide from our first Navy Ship and/or to repair their ship after a damaging fight. Very interesting character!! Was NOT a pirate actually, but a gentleman privateer and smuggler of goods into LA when the US stopped allowing goods going into LA in hopes that they would buckle down and join the United States. Jean Lafitte was a war hero of The War of 1812 in New Orleans; then the current US Governor of LA following the war thanked them for their service and then immediately arrested as many as possible to hang them as pirates!! That's when Lafitte and what was left of his crew came to Galveston Island, TX. I have seen the remnants of his house's (or should say Fortress?) foundation and it's front steps. The Governor placed a price on Lafitte's head; Lafitte then placed a much higher fee on the Governor's head!! Gotta love him!

A good starting point for Lafitte (Laffite) researchers

Saxon provides an decent overview of the life of Jean Lafitte (somtimes spelled Laffite) that is suitable for siting as a secondary resource of information. Although not a scholarly work in itself, the book should provide a most suitable platform or "guide book" from which more in-depth study can be done. While the author's own research is solid enough, the writing is not hampered by an academic, stiff style and his recounting of this fascinating figue carries merit for the recreational reading of amature history enthusiasts. Of the adult level, book length literature in print on the subject, this work could easily be considered as the cornersone of study for anyone interested in Jean Lafitte.