The Book of Pirates

by Jamaica Rose, Michael MacLeod

On this here ship, we follow the pirate's No frolikin' in the bilges, no songs about scurvy, and most important, each buccaneer must keep his pistol ready for action at all times. Break the code, me bucko, and you'll be forced to walk the plank. In The Big Book of Pirate Stuff, Captain Michael MacLeod and Jamaica Rose teach the fine art of pirateering, from plundering, pillaging, and gambling to digging for buried treasure. A dabble of history, a smatterin' of activities, and a healthy dose of derring-do make this book a must-read for aspiring pirates. Jamaica Rose, aka Christine Markel Lampe, was "kidnapped" by pirates in 1988 when a friend invited her on a pirate cruise. She met her husband, Captain Michael MacLeod aka Michael Lampe, on that first voyage, and they've been pursuing the piratical life ever since. They publish No Quarter Given, a newsletter on all things pirate, and are founding members of the Port Royal Privateers. They live in Southern California.

Genres: Nonfiction, Pirates, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2010

Reviews

[Ross Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I spend my 'Talk Like A Pirate Day' reading and finishing a book about pirates.

This one is sort of a mix of history and children's activities. I skimmed the children activities part (no kids - no little scally wags to entertain on the poop deck), but enjoyed the pirate lore and history.

And of course - the KRAKEN!!! #ReleaseTheKraken

[Olivia Markham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for an informational book project because it was the least realistic. It might be a good book, I just couldn't read it. From just the first chapter (which was all I read), it contained a whole lot of information (enough to do my whole book project). Very good and full of information. I also loved the pirate pun part, all my friends thought they were bad but I absolutely adored them.

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Loved the table of pirate insults and nonalcoholic drink recipes.

[Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was at the local library letting my little 5 year old scalawag run rampant. I ran across this book in the YA section (cause that's where a 40 year old hangs out) and was pleasantly surprised! I used to be a subscriber to the author's pirate magazine 'No Quarter Given'. Good ol' Jamaica Rose, she's the scurviest! I've had the pleasure of chatting with her at several Ren/Pirate Faires as well. That was years ago and unfortunately the magazine is no more...although you may be able to track copies down online! She's quite the purveyor of pirate knowledge, there's no doubting that! I even saw her not long ago on some pirate t.v. show sharing her pirate knowledge!
This book was good fun and I think I'll track down a copy and add it to my piratey collection! Lots of great pirate knowledge, facts, stories, and hands on activities, and it's done in a fun way. My little rapscallion will enjoy this as he gets older as well!

[Jensownzoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a layperson's book for all the minutiae regarding pirates (types of swords, how to dress, brief bios of famous pirates, etc.), then this is the book for you. The structure of the book layout was actually done quite well, mixing things up to keep this from becoming a boring recitation of facts. The tone of the book was definitely tailored for the younger reader (middle school perhaps?), but there is enough substance for adults to enjoy as well.

[Bladestryke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is geared to the younger crowd but even as an adult I got a lot out of this! Packed with facts, diy, recipes, you name it! Even the illustrations were enjoyable and the pictures to the craft sections were easy to follow. This would be a great book for parents and kids to share! Highly recommend!

[carrietracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part history book, part pirate party guide. While the historical details can be slow at times, pages of pirate flags, card games and outfits keep the pages turning.

More in my blog review.

[Carrie Naughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super-informative for what amounts to a YA Pirate-Info book (complete with home handicrafts...how to make yer own hardtack, mateys???). I quite enjoyed learning about all things pirate and these authors clearly love their subject.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.7 Stars