Pirates: A New History, from Vikings to Somali Raiders

by Peter Lehr Narrated by Matthew Waterson

Overview

A global account of pirates and their modus operandi from the middle ages to the present day



In the twenty-first century piracy has regained a central place in Western culture, thanks to a surprising combination of Johnny Depp and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as well as the dramatic rise of modern-day piracy around Somalia and the Horn of Africa.



In this global history of the phenomenon, maritime terrorism and piracy expert Peter Lehr casts fresh light on pirates. Ranging from the Vikings and Wako pirates in the Middle Ages to modern day Somali pirates, Lehr delves deep into what motivates pirates and how they operate. He also illuminates the state's role in the development of piracy throughout history: from privateers sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth to pirates operating off the coast of Africa taking the law into their own hands. After exploring the structural failures which create fertile ground for pirate activities, Lehr evaluates the success of counter-piracy efforts-and the reasons behind its failures.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is a serious work for a general audience. Policymakers would do well to read it, as would aspiring pirates in search of career advice.”—Frank Lawton, Financial Times

“In this informative and often entertaining short study, Lehr traces the global history of piracy, quoting judiciously from an array of historians and sources to make his case.”—Ben Wilson, Times (UK)

“Peter Lehr, a maritime terrorism and piracy expert, casts fresh light on pirates and delves deep into what motivates them and how they operate.”—Paul Ridgway, Africa Ports & Ships

“In his lively, vivid history of pirates, Lehr finds some striking continuities from ancient to modern times.”—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs

“Enlightening and enthralling.”—Cindy Vallar, Pirates and Privateers

Listed on Choice’s Outstanding Academic Titles List for 2019

“A ground-breaking survey of piracy through the ages. Lehr provides a detailed analysis of the causes of piracy, he reveals the operations of pirates ignored in most previous histories, and he brings a specialist knowledge to recent attacks off Somalia, in the Malacca Straits and in the Gulf of Guinea.”—David Cordingly, author of Under the Black Flag

“The most comprehensive history of piracy I have ever read. And a thrilling read, too!”—Adrian Tinniswood, author ofPirates of Barbary

“A fresh perspective on global piracy through the ages by one of the world’s leading experts on maritime security and anti-terrorism. Lehr shoves aside the old temptations of blanket condemnation and cheeky romanticizing to ferret out the timeless patterns at the core of this venerable profession. . . . Pirates is at once a magisterial and instructive book. It is history for our times.”—Kris E. Lane, author of Pillaging the Empire
 

Library Journal - Audio

12/01/2019

Expanding on the scope of his earlier work on piracy and terrorism (Violence at Sea: Piracy in the Age of Global Terrorism), Lehr thoroughly covers the global history of pirates, ranging from Viking raiders to the pirate threats of today. As he breaks down the major pirate groups and activities from history, Lehr explains the often highly entangled impact of economics, politics, and religion that influence people to become pirates. Considering both legitimate and convenient excuses for pirates' actions, Lehr helps listeners understand the perspectives of individuals who would embrace the pirate lifestyle as a means to settle their grievances or satiate their greed. Lehr's discussion of modern-day piracy will help listeners connect the content to current events. This work provides a deep and systematic analysis that is appropriate for the scope of the work but can get a little dry at times for the nonexpert. Narrator Matthew Waterson couples a steady cadence with a smooth tone that makes for easy consumption of content that can get dense at times. VERDICT Recommended for listeners interested in a serious treatment of pirates, maritime history, and terrorism.—Sean Kennedy, Univ. of Akron Lib., OH

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171181406
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	07/16/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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