This latest hardbound book for Osprey is a compilation of four of the books from their other popular series; Elite 67, 67 & 74 as well as New Vanguard 70, all written by the author.

In this edition we learn of the difference between a buccaneer, pirate, and privateer. Two are basically ocean-bound outlaws while a third is a quasi-legal arm of a country's military force. A paid soldier of fortune if you will.

While all three of these categories have been glorified as something glamorous in the films, the truth is something a lot less. Often times their lives were cruel, hard and quite short; especially when it came to pirates. The most successful of them did not live more than a couple of years before they were caught and put to death in some of the most horrendous ways.

After an introduction into the genre, the book is divided into three basic sections covering the period of time in which these men (and women) were the most active. Each section includes what exactly a buccaneer or pirate or privateer was, what they sought in a victim, how they waged war, how they dressed, who were some of their more famous commanders, what it was like to live the life of a buccaneer, pirate or privateer and how their way of life came to an end.

It is superbly illustrated with period artifacts, paintings, and illustrations from contemporary as well as historical sources. If you never really thought about what these men were like, this book will provide an excellent reference into the lives and customs of some of the more interesting and blood-thirsty people in the history of the early Americas. A book I found fascinating and I'm sure you will as well.

July 2007

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