Pirates have captivated the imagination with images of swords, bandanas, and buried treasures. But what was life really like on a pirate ship? Piracy was a risky, sometimes deadly, occupation, and strict orders were essential for everyone's survival. These "Laws" were sets of rules that dictated everything from how much each pirate earned from their loot to compensation for injuries, penalties, and even the entertainment allowed on board. These rules became known as the "Pirate Code," which all pirates had to publicly swear to.

Using primary sources such as testimonies, trial proceedings, and naval logs, this book explains how these codes were key to pirates' success in battle, both at sea and on land.

Pages: 304, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm