The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pirates

I LOVE pirates and have most books and movies you can get on the subject. This is a must have if you love pirates.

This book is just darn solid. There is a ton of information on everything from pirate clothes to their lifestyle to where they lived and who they were. You even get a history lesson on pirating which goes back to the Romans. The book seems to do a remarkable in that it gives you just enough detail but not so much that you are begging for a chapter to end. Every time I started to get bored I'd turn the page and I'd be at the end of the chapter. It's always just enough to be informative and not so much that you get bored. At the same time, because it covers a lot of ground, you may not learn as much about someone you wanted to know more about. Pirates often come and go in a couple of pages but then this book isn't selling itself as an in-depth historical treatise. If you want a book on a specific individual or facet of pirate life seek elsewhere. Overall, it's a fast, informative, good read and well deserving of 5-stars.

This is an excellent source for those who are just starting out learning about pirates or for any one who does not like to read those long, boring, text book like histories. Incredibly accurate, and easy to read, the whole text is dotted with wit and humor that makes this a pleasure to read over and over again. Plus it has an unbelievable large bibliography, which is a must for any book on history. Let's put it this way, my 14-year-old cousin, who usually cannot sit still for a minute, spent the whole day reading this book. This is the good stuff.

I purchased this book at a book signing .I thought I was knowledgeable about pirates, but Ms. Selinger taught me a think or two! I found this book to be easy and fast, plus you could skip around to your favorite parts.She brought up many interesting but not as recognized characters like Grace O'Malley for instance. Her love for the sea and pirates is clear and she passionately tries to pass this on to her readers. I found this book to be interesting and overflowing with information.! I wish I had it as a reference in school. I would recommend it highly! I give it five swords!

I enjoyed reading the book as it took it from the basics to the cut throat antics of those long since washed up(pardon the pun) adventurers. The historical aspect is interesting as very few authors will give the good and the bad of the cutthroats we all are at heart. If you like pirate stories or movies you'll love this book. Enjoy the plunder of a good read!