Much imitated but never surpassed, this is the great book of pirate lore. Ranging from ancient to modern times, it explores the rise of piracy, who the pirates were and where they came from, and why they disappeared. A dramatic narrative and cast of colorful characters complement its impeccable scholarship. 21 black-and-white illustrations. Reprint of the Longmans, Green and Co., New York, 1932 edition.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
A General History of the Pyrates by Daniel Defoe Considered the major source of information about piracy in the early 18th century, this fascinating history by the author of Robinson Crusoe profiles the deeds of Edward (Blackbeard) Teach, Captain Kidd, Anne Bonny, others.
Pirates and Piracy by E. Keble Chatterton From the Norsemen and the pirates of the Levant and the China Seas, to Edward Teach (Blackbeard), Captain Kidd, and Henry Morgan, these stories of men who took to pirating range far across time and place.
The King of Pirates by Daniel Defoe In this thrilling tale of high-seas adventure by the author of Robinson Crusoe, colorful rogue Captain Avery defends himself against scandalous accusations and, in doing so, draws a rousing portrait of pirate life.