The Pirates' Who's Who

The Pirates' Who's Who by Philip Gosse isn't a comprehensive history of piracy, but rather a biographical dictionary dedicated to pirates and buccaneers. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• Focus: It provides short biographies of famous pirates and buccaneers whose stories have been passed down through history.
• Content: The book features a wide range of pirates from various eras and regions, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean.
• Inclusion: It doesn't shy away from including both notorious figures and lesser-known pirates.
• Moral Compass: The book doesn't glorify piracy. Gosse presents the pirates' exploits alongside their morals and motives, highlighting the varied backgrounds and motivations that led them to a life of piracy.
• Comparison: Similar to biographical dictionaries of other professions, it offers a quick reference guide to learn about these historical figures.

Why a Who's Who of Pirates?

The book draws a comparison between pirates and other professions that have their own biographical dictionaries. It argues that pirates, with their daring adventures and often larger-than-life personalities, deserve a similar recognition.

Overall, The Pirates' Who's Who by Philip Gosse is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about individual pirates and getting a glimpse into the world of piracy from a historical perspective.