0689310293.
This book tells the story of the most well known pirates and seamen from the 1500's to the 1800's.
The book's reading level is appropriate for young adults. Language has not been dumbed down. Unfamiliar terms are defined in a way that doesn't insult the reader. For instance, after describing the use of grapnels by some pirates, Marrin says �Grapnels resemble huge four-pronged fish hooks for grabbing something and holding it tight� (Marrin 50). The book is on an interesting topic that will definitely interest young adult boys. Marrin obviously has a great interest in the topic and his excitement is visible from his writing. He says �who they were, what they did, and how they did it always has, and always will, capture our imagations� (Marrin vi).
The writing is high quality. New terms are introduced to the reader, such as saltpeter (119), and blunderbuss (Marrin 52). The book reads like a fiction novel. Marrin draws readers in with his descriptive passages, then keeps them on the edge of their seats with suspenseful tellings of great pirate battles and betrayal. For instance, the novel begins with this description, �slowly, silently, the wind breathes life into the wooden hulls. They move, dipping and rolling and tossing white spray as they gain speed. From the shore comes the boom and clang of cannon and churchbells bidding the seamen Godspeed� (Marrin 3). �Emphasis is placed on the adventures and heroics of individuals like Drake�� (School Library Journal 1984). By page eleven, Marrin is describing a great battle and secret attack between Hawkins and the Spanish. �BAR-O-O-O-M. The cannon becamse a roaring, kicking, flame-spitting monster. Its blast set the gunners' ears ringing. If they were not fast enough, its kickback might snap their legs like dry twigs� (Marrin 12). The reader will feel like he or she is in the midst of one of these battles.
The book is arranged logically in chronological order. Marrin begins in the 1500's with Sir Frances Drake and the buccaneers and ends with the Barbaray Pirates and the U.S. Navy in the 1800's. Famous pirates and seamen are discussed in the chapter that focuses on the time period in which they made a name for themselves, regardless of when they were born. The book contains both a table of contents and an index. There's also a list of other books on similar topics for readers who wish to learn more. References are not given, except for the maps and pictures. However, the author is a well respected writer of nonfiction books for young adults and adults and Marrin is an expert in history, so the information can be trusted.
The book contains maps, paintings and illustrations that enhance the information. There are paintings of many of the famous pirates the book describes. There are lots of paintings of boats from the different time periods. There are maps showing trade routes and routes different voyages took. The maps are well labeled and easy to read. There are illustrations that show how different weapons looked and worked that are very helpful. For instance, there are diagrams of different types of guns and daggers (52) and a diagram of a cannon (Marrin 13).
This is �an enjoyable introduction that should leave readers eager for more� (School Library Journal 1984).
Mellett, Elizabeth. 1984. Book review: Hitler. School Library Journal 30, no. 10:76.