From anti-slavery heroes to evil murderers, from 'the Victual Brothers' to Somali raiders today, a 1000-year roll call of the pirates. It is no use pretending that these criminals do not evoke admiration - even envy. Part of the appeal is the democratic nature of their activities, characterised as far back as the 14th century by Klaus Stortebeker thieving in the Baltic - his crew were called the Likedeelers, the equal sharers. Author Terry Breverton...