Captain Kidd and the War Against the Pirates

by Robert C. Ritchie

Piracy is as old as seafaring vessels themselves. The Roman proconsul Pompey organized a huge fleet to stamp out the Sicilian pirates who had seized so many grain ships that Rome was threatened with starvation. By the seventeenth century buccaneers were commonplace, often operating under sanctions by their home country.

William Kidd, born in 1645 into the family of a Presbyterian minister, by mid-life was a member of a marauder crew in the Caribbean. When William of Orange and his wife Mary Stuart ascended to the English throne in 1688, England and France soon entered into a savage war. Kidd was one of the pirates asked to defend the crown against the French. His ship was armed with twenty guns, and soon Captain Kidd had not only the blessings of the authorities but piles of booty. Eventually, after many adventures and misadventures, Kidd was charged with murder for smashing the skull of his gunner with a wooden bucket. The verdict: Guilty. Piracy didn't end with the hanging of William Kidd, but the romance associated with the swashbuckling pirates may have. This detailed personal history is a page-turner with all the drama one would expect from fine fiction ... and this is fact. Indexed, with maps and illustrations.

Genres: History, Pirates, Nonfiction, School

306 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 1986

Reviews

[karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retired academic colleague of mine gave a talk about pirates that I attended. Fascinating stuff – about economics (distribution of booty among the team on the ship), democracy (elections), and lot of law (facts for separating fantasy from what really happened). He said this book was among the best for a rookie like me.

Well, I didn’t like it. Think of a Ph.D. dissertation – lots of research, citations. Those who would appreciate the book are very up on their knowledge of 1680-1710 English and American names of political leaders at the second and third levels down. They would understand the geopolitical friction between French, Spanish, English during that time – not to forget the role of the Dutch and the Danes. They would understand the Indian (as in India) shipping lanes. Finally, you have to understand and love the law as practiced in England in that period of time.

Kidd angled for a privateer’s “pass”. Think of a nation too poor or cheap to have its own navy, so it gives pirates a license to intercept and take stuff from its enemies. His pirating lasted maybe 4 years end of the 17th century. He “thought” he could end his pirating life and return to NY (or Boston) with a deal with then British overseer of New York and New England. No go. That overseer had him arrested and sent to London. He languished in jail there nearly a year. Lot of book about his court hearings in London. In the end he was hung (but 1st time they dumped him over the edge the rope broke, he was stunned, but not dead, and back up with a new rope, and that finally worked).

The Captain Kidd legend is all BS. No hidden gold on a tiny island in a place where “X” marks the spot.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a 3.5. In general, an excellent book focusing on one of the most intriguing characters from the pirate hall of fame. William Kidd in many ways epitomizes life at the turn of the seventeenth/eighteenth century - there is patronage and betrayal, intrigue, politics, the Whig/Tory scuffles, the East India Company, the beginnings of globalization and the financial revolution: all jolly good stuff. In the main, Ritchie explores this world on the cusp of modernity exceedingly well, with a strong narrative voice, an ability to explain with condescension, and good use of the reams of extant sources.

The relatively low score might be a little petty. However, the introductory chapter contains a reasonable amount of dross, a few of the references have led me on a wild goose chase, there are a few too many bees coming loose from his bonnet, and he made the unforgivable error of calling Pepys 'William'.

[Erdogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Captain Kidd and the War against the Pirates" by Robert C. Ritchie stands out for its meticulous examination of various facets of piracy during the 17th century. Ritchie's delineation of three distinct types of piracy provides valuable insight into the nuanced motivations and methods of pirates during this era. By categorizing piracy as predatory, opportunistic, and political, he offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors driving maritime lawlessness.

Moreover, Ritchie adeptly explores the intricate entanglement of colonial authorities with piracy, revealing how corruption and collusion enabled piracy to thrive. His portrayal of imperial officers and governors turning a blind eye to piracy in exchange for a share of the spoils exposes the moral ambiguity and political intrigue that characterized colonial governance.

The book also sheds light on the transition of England into a more imperialistic and business-oriented empire, exemplified by the rise of the East India Company. Ritchie's analysis of how economic interests intersected with imperial expansion underscores the complex dynamics driving piracy and colonialism during this period.

Furthermore, Ritchie's depiction of the persecution of Captain Kidd serves as a compelling example of the legal and political maneuvering surrounding piracy. By examining Kidd's trial and subsequent execution, Ritchie highlights the challenges of prosecuting pirates within a system rife with corruption and conflicting interests.

Overall, "Captain Kidd and the War against the Pirates" is a standout work that offers valuable insights into the multifaceted world of piracy and colonialism. Ritchie's rigorous research and engaging narrative make this book essential reading for anyone interested in the history of piracy and the complexities of early modern imperialism.

[Seth Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took some time, I must admit. Very historical and a lot of details to remember (or, if you're like me, quickly forget). Definitely not something I'd expect everyone to want to read, but I enjoyed it. A pirate's life was no glorious thing, despite how much fun Jack Sparrow has on the big screen. I found myself relieved many times over to live in the 21st century while reading this, so it's a pretty good nonfiction book. The policy, economic, and social history of buccaneering is very well covered with extensive research and detail.

[Michael Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong historical analysis of an interesting time in piracy. The era of the buccaneers was coming to the end and Capt. Kidd epitomized this. Ritchie does well to balance the challenges of writing an academically viable work with maintaining entertainment value, a challenge that any historical writer can understand when considering the archaic language and scant records of the period. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in piracy and this unique era.

[Raving Redcoat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry, but readable. The author intersperses Kidd's career and trial with information that places Kidd in the context of the Golden Age of Piracy. While I wouldn't recommend it for someone just learning about piracy, it would be a solid choice for someone with an established interest in the subject.

[Jason Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the stirring adventure saga that I may have been hoping for, nor was it a broad history of piracy of the Golden Age, but what is clear from reading this book is that piracy was the result of powerful economic forces and geopolitical goals. Kidd himself is kind of a sorry fellow that you almost want to feel badly for, but actually demonstrates weakness. He is the Jake Spoon of the High Seas.

Worth reading if you are interested in the subject matter.

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best piece I have read regarding Captain Kidd. It is also very refreshing to read a book on pirates that actually incorporates historical sources such as trial materials and other primary documents.

The author makes a clear case that Kidd was indeed a pirate and that he was the victim of politics. Ritchie spends considerable effort in discussing the political world at the turn of the nineteenth century and especially how the politics of patronage accounted for Kidd's spectacular fall as a scapegoat.

Ritchie concludes with a chapter on Kidd's mythology. Ritchie was curious to explore why such an unsuccessful pirate attained such infamy. He presents his findings as a disgruntled working class sympathizing with one of their own who was treated to a sham trial to protect others with greater political connections. The author goes on to dismiss the treasure hunters' dreams by debunking the many myths of Kidd's buried treasure by painstakingly presenting the value of the ships Kidd looted and how he disposed of his loot. Ritchie also soundly rejects the idea of buried treasure as being totally against the values of the pirates who wanted their share of any treasure to squander on a few days' pleasure after spending weeks or months at see in miserable conditions.

[David Pilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of William Kidd's journey and his ironic transformation from (real) pirate hunter to (legendary) pirate. Especially interesting is the exploration of the behind-the-scenes politics that went into Kidd's scapegoating.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the 2nd best book on Kidd. Not as painstakingly researched, but follows life and major events without extra side trips.