The Pirates’ Code

Real history, so much more exciting than any pirate legend. * Dan Snow *
In this zesty and eye-opening history . . . Rebecca Simon has combed a variety of sources to paint a colourful and evocative portrait of that ‘golden age of piracy’ in the late 17th and early 18th Century. -- Sinclair McKay * Mail on Sunday *
In eight snappy chapters, the reader is smuggled aboard brigs, schooners and sloops, each infested with rats and chittering cockroaches . . . Simon’s writing is informative and packed with fascinating detail . . . It all makes for a hair-raising adventure, and a handy guide for anyone hoping to understand – or prepare for – the pirate way of life. -- Alice Loxton * The Daily Telegraph *
In her impressively researched book, Simon offers an engrossing account that goes well beyond the romanticised Johnny Depp/Jack Sparrow view of life as a criminal on the high seas. Her chapters on health and safety, sex and relationships, weapons and battle tactics, and entertainment on pirate ships are particularly enlightening . . . for a rollicking account of the reality of the “Golden Age” of piracy, Simon’s book should float your boat. -- Martin Chilton * The Independent: Books of the Month *
You know how pirates used to punish people by making them walk the plank? Well, the thing is, they didn’t . . . The surprise is one of many in Rebecca Simon’s book about the 'golden age of piracy' in the 17th and 18th centuries. -- Mark Mason * The Daily Mail *
Rebecca Simon’s book delves into the codes that pirates had to live by and how they were the key to their success in battle, both on sea and on land. The Pirates’ Code – our Book of the Month for May 2023 – uses primary sources such as eyewitness accounts, trial proceedings, and maritime logs, to examine how each code was instrumental. -- Amy Irvine * History Hit - Book of the Month *
This “rollicking account” of pirates’ codes - the strict rules deemed essential for survival at sea - explains how they determined everything, from how much each pirate earned from their plunder to compensation from injuries, punishments and more. -- Caroline Sanderson * The Bookseller *
Rebecca Simon addresses this growing legend head-on . . . The Pirates' Code doesn't just repeat the old legends; in some cases it blasts them into splinters . . . It is myth-busting par excellence, because it is not just based on opinion . . . Simon holds a mastery of the sources that leaves the reader in awe . . . In The Pirates’ Code she shows pirates in all their complexity and individuality, and she rejoices in it. Their stories, beautifully told, are so much more wonderful than the standard legends allow. -- Debbie Kilroy * Get History *
Simon is at her best when she focuses on court transcripts and first-person accounts. In its discussions of the daily lives and careers of pirates, this slender volume makes for absorbing reading . . . Recommended. * Choice *
In The Pirates’ Code, Dr. Rebecca Simon presents a rollicking account of pirates’ codes, the strict rules essential for survival at sea. -- Miranda Melcher * New Books Network: *
. . . a series of chapters looks at every aspect of the pirate’s life . . . While this is a work of scholarship with an extensive list of references and a 23-page bibliography, it is very readable and is strongly recommended to members of The Naval Review. -- Robert Muddysley * The Naval Review *
This 304-page hardback book by Rebecca Simon sets out a rollicking account of pirates’ codes, which gave the strict rules essential for survival at sea. * Pirate Plunder *
Arguing that pirates did more than lawlessly pillage the high seas, Rebecca Simon’s fascinating book The Pirates’ Code reveals their rules of engagement - and the steep consequences of eschewing these . . . From these rules, the book explores pirate history and culture. Simon acknowledges the bloody realities of pirate life, sharing tales of clubhauling, cannibalism, and carousing . . . Historical drawings, maps, and photographs complement the text . . . The Pirates’ Code is an engaging book that demythologizes pirates, exploring the historical underpinnings of their rogue sailing lives. -- Dontaná McPherson-Joseph * Foreword Reviews *
A fascinating glimpse into life aboard ship during the golden age of piracy. * Adrian Tinniswood, author of Pirates Of Barbary *
A comprehensive and highly engaging study of the operations and everyday life at sea on pirate ships in the "Golden Age" of piracy. Using a wide range of archival material, Rebecca Simon has produced a meticulous examination of how pirate crews used "articles" to organise their ships and lives. An in-depth exploration of not only the most notorious pirates and their lesser-known brethren, but every aspect of pirate life from the motivations of men to turn to piracy, to how they shared out plunder and food, to discipline and health care for injured pirates. The Pirates' Code is a pleasure to read. * Elaine Murphy, Associate Professor of Maritime History, University of Plymouth *