Biographies of famous pirates in history

Pirate Biographies

Throughout history, pirates have both plagued and terrorized virtually all countries and civilizations that have engaged in shipping and trade. This page is mainly about those that operated during the Golden Age of Piracy. Some of these pirates became quite wealthy stealing treasure and cargo sent to and from the New World. Primarily in the area of the Caribbean frequently referred to as the Spanish Main. At this time Port Royal, Jamaica had become the unofficial pirates haven. It was also during this time in history that piracy was at its most popular point, and when the most prominent figures in piracy (Blackbeard, Every, Bellamy, etc.) made names for themselves. In reading the pirate biographies below you will find that the majority of these famous pirates had very brief careers lasting just a few short years which ended in their deaths. Perhaps the really successful pirates were the ones that were able to pillage and plunder while keeping a low profile in the shadows of obscurity.... one step ahead of the authorities.

* Captain Thomas Anstis - This notorious pirate sailed with the best of them.

* Captain Samuel Bellamy - Famous for his memorable speeches and flamboyant character.

* Blackbeard - The most infamous pirate of the golden age.

* Anne Bonny - She was by far the best known female pirate.

* Joseph Bradish - He was more of a thief than a true pirate.

* Captain John Callice - This fellow seemed to have had about nine lives...

* Christopher Condent - This successful fellow lived to retire in style.

* John Derdrake - Alias "Jack of the Baltic".

Captain Benito de Soto - A ruthless scoundrel who meet a fitting end for his deeds.

* Captain Peter Easton - One of the most successful 17th century pirates.

* Captain Edward England - He was said to have been the model for Robert Louis Stevenson's character, Long John Silver.

* Captain John Evans - Had a brief but interesting career as a pirate.

* Captain Henry Every - By all accounts Every was the most highly renowned pirate of his time.

* John Gow - His short career in piracy did little to merit the fame he achieved.

* Captain Benjamin Hornigold - Privateer turned pirate, than pirate hunter.

* Captain William Kidd - Many a story has been written about this unfortunate fellow.

* Captain George Lowther - A leader of a slave ship mutiny who turned to piracy.

* Captain Christopher Mings - A legendary pirate who inspired many a rogue to follow in his footsteps.

* Sir Henry Morgan - Pirate or patriot? You decide for yourself.

* Captain Jean-David Nau - One of the most sadistic of pirates.

* Captain Nathaniel North - An unlucky pirate who met a sad end.

* Captain Jack Rackham - He was best known for his exploits with Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

* Mary Read - Maybe not as well known as Anne Bonny but just as interesting.

* Captain Bartholomew Roberts - One of the last of the great pirates and probably the most successful pirate captain of his day.

* Captain Simon Simonson - Had a very good career in piracy on the barbary coast.

* Captain Thomas Tew - A talented pirate who cheated the gallows awaiting him at Execution Dock.

* Captain Charles Vane - He had a brief yet notorious career.

* Captain Richard Worley - This small time pirate had big ambitions.

Other Sites About Individual Pirates

* Anne Bonny - An account of the life of the notorious female pirate, based on the writings of John Carlova.

* Black Sam Belamy - Good biography page on the prince of pirates.

* Blackbeard's Realm - All about this most famous pirate in history.

* Blackbeard's Shipwreck - Information on the pirate and the wreck of his ship the Queen Anne's Revenge.

* John Deane - A short biography on the sailor, mercenary, spy, diplomat, petty criminal and shipwrecked cannibal.

* Drake, Sir Francis - A short biography of the English pirate/privateer.

* The Illustrious Captain Bartholomew Roberts - All about one of the most fearsome pirates in history.

* John Paul Jones: Pirate or Patriot - another nice site

* Kidd's Island - A brief history of Captain Kidd and speculation about the pirate's treasure buried in the Connecticut River.

* Henry Morgan: a Welsh buccaneer - A biography of Sir Henry Morgan and his relationship with the Morgans of Monmouthshire.

* Mary Read - Biography page on this remarkable woman.

* Women Pirates and Privateers - An impressive list of real and fictional sea hellions.

Pirate Books and Literature

* Beagle Bay Books - Pirate Books - Dealing in fact and fiction novels. Also has list of good childrens books.

* Bloodthirsty Pirate Tales - Comic book dedicated to pirate adventure, history, and lore.

* Buccaneer Trading Company - Antique and rare books, maps, coins and artifacts on the subject of piracy, shipwrecks and sunken treasure.

Historical Pirate Romance Books - List of romance books with pirates or a pirate theme to them.

* Isle of Tortuga - Piracy at sea throughout history. Includes biographies and original documents. A wealth of information and resouces.

* The Jolly Roger - An Online magazine with some pirate and nautical graphics.

* Louisiana History - Pirate Ideas - Classroom themed site for young children K-6 grade. Lists several good books.

* MGPL Webrary - Pirate Books - Public library site lists over 80 pirate books.

* Naval History of the American Revolution - Written by Gardner W. Allen.

The Online Books Page - A resource for links to online pirate books.

Pirate Books and Resources for Children - Homefires shoppers list of children's books, dvd's, games and more.

Pirates Cove Marketplace - Sells a small selection of pirate books for children.

* The Pirate's Hold - Pirate Books - Very nice A to Z book list.

* The Pirate's Library - Good source for many standard pirate reference books and reprinted classic factual books on piracy.

* Pirates of Pensacola - Fictional book about a present day pirate adventure.

* Pirates! Stories and Legends - Some books and pirate tales ta chill yer bones.

* Romantic Reads of Pirates - This be the place to find pirate romance novels.

* Teach's Hole - Manifest of Books - Pirate specialty store sells adult and childrens books.

* Treasure Island - Everything you could possibly want to know about Treasure Island.

10 Historical Pirate Books Online - Offers links to some great online piracy books.

* Victory in Tripoli - About America's war with the barbary pirates.

* Ye Bibliographic Buccaneer - A bibliography of maritime reference books.

This Webpage Was Last Updated On: Sept. 16, 2009