# A General History of the Pirates — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for A General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson.

- [The Preface](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/the-preface.md): The preface discusses the origins of piracy, linking it to the transition from privateering in wartime to piracy in peacetime, and criticizes the inefficacy of naval patrols in the Americas. It argues that pirates exploi
- [A General History of the Pirates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/a-general-history-of-the-pirates.md): This chapter introduces the rise of piracy in the Caribbean, focusing on the settlement of pirates in the Providence Islands and their early exploits. It sets the stage for the Golden Age of Piracy by detailing the econo
- [Of Captain Avery, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/i-of-captain-avery-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the story of Captain Avery, a pirate who became the subject of exaggerated legends claiming he had become a king in Madagascar, married the Great Mogul's daughter, and amassed immense wealth. In rea
- [Of Captain Martel, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/ii-of-captain-martel-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the brief but successful pirate career of Captain Martel, who operated in the Caribbean after the Peace of Utrecht. It describes how former privateers turned to piracy in peacetime, Martel's capture
- [Of Captain Teach Alias Blackbeard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/iii-of-captain-teach-alias-blackbeard.md): This chapter details the life and exploits of the notorious pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. It covers his early piracy under Captain Hornigold, his command of the Queen Ann's Revenge, his alliance with Major St
- [Of Major Stede Bonnet and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/iv-of-major-stede-bonnet-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the story of Major Stede Bonnet, a wealthy and educated gentleman from Barbados who inexplicably turned to piracy. Despite his lack of maritime experience, he outfitted a sloop, the Revenge, and beg
- [Of Capt. Edward England, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/v-of-capt-edward-england-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the career of Captain Edward England, a pirate who began as a mate on a sloop from Jamaica before being taken by Captain Winter. England commanded a sloop and sailed to Africa, taking several ships 
- [Of Captain Charles Vane, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/vi-of-captain-charles-vane-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the exploits of Captain Charles Vane, a pirate who refused the King's pardon at Providence and escaped with his crew. It details his subsequent cruises, captures, and the eventual betrayal by his co
- [Of Captain John Rackam, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/vii-of-captain-john-rackam-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the career of John Rackam, who became captain after Vane was deposed. It details his cruises, captures, escapes, and eventual capture by Captain Barnet. The narrative concludes with the trial and ex
- [The Life of Mary Read](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/the-life-of-mary-read.md): This chapter recounts the extraordinary life of Mary Read, from her birth to a young widow who disguised her as a boy to secure financial support, through her service as a foot-boy, soldier, and eventually a pirate. It d
- [The Life of Anne Bonny](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/the-life-of-anne-bonny.md): This chapter details the birth, upbringing, and piratical career of Anne Bonny. It begins with her illegitimate birth in Ireland, the scandal involving her father and a maid, and her eventual move to Carolina. It recount
- [Of Captain Howel Davis, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/viii-of-captain-howel-davis-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the life and piratical career of Captain Howel Davis, from his early days as a mate on the Cadogan snow, through his capture by the pirate England, to his eventual rise as a pirate captain. It detai
- [IX: Of Captain Bartho. Roberts, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/ix-of-captain-bartho-roberts-and-his-crew.md): This chapter details the rise of Bartholomew Roberts from a reluctant captive to a pirate captain after the death of Howel Davis. It describes the election of Roberts, the establishment of pirate articles, the trial and 
- [Of Captain Anstis, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/x-of-captain-anstis-and-his-crew.md): This chapter details the career of Thomas Anstis, who began as one of six conspirators at Providence in 1718 and later separated from Bartholomew Roberts in April 1721. It recounts his cruises in the West Indies, the bru
- [Of Captain Worley, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xi-of-captain-worley-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the brief but fierce pirate career of Captain Worley, who set out from New York in September 1718 with only eight men in a small open boat. After committing robberies in the Delaware River and takin
- [Of Capt. George Lowther, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xii-of-capt-george-lowther-and-his-crew.md): This chapter details the pirate career of Captain George Lowther, from his mutiny and establishment of a pirate crew with articles, to his partnership and eventual split with Captain Massey, his engagements with merchant
- [Of Captain Edward Low, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xiii-of-captain-edward-low-and-his-crew.md): This chapter chronicles the life and brutal career of the pirate Edward Low, from his thieving childhood in Westminster to his violent exploits at sea. After a failed attempt to murder his captain, Low and twelve compani
- [Of Capt. John Evans, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xiv-of-capt-john-evans-and-his-crew.md): John Evans, a Welsh former master of a sloop, turns to piracy after losing his employment and finding wages poor. With a few comrades, he steals a canoe, robs houses, and captures a sloop named the Scowerer. They take se
- [Of Captain John Phillips, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xv-of-captain-john-phillips-and-his-crew.md): This chapter recounts the career of John Phillips, a former carpenter who turned pirate after being captured by Anstis. After a brief return to England, he fled to Newfoundland, where he conspired with a few men to seize
- [Of Captain Spriggs, and His Crew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/xvi-of-captain-spriggs-and-his-crew.md): This chapter details the exploits of Captain Spriggs and his pirate crew, including their cruel treatment of prisoners, such as forcing Captain Hawkins to eat candles and marooning him on an uninhabited island. It also r
- [An Account of the Piracies and Murders Committed by Philip Roche, etc.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/an-account-of-the-piracies-and-murders-committed-by-philip-roche-etc.md): This chapter recounts the brutal piracy and murder committed by Philip Roche and his confederates, who, after befriending a French captain, murdered the entire crew of a small vessel, took command, altered the ship's app
- [An Abstract of the Civil Law and Statute Law Now in Force, in Relation to Piracy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/an-abstract-of-the-civil-law-and-statute-law-now-in-force-in-relation-to-piracy.md): This chapter provides a legal abstract of civil and statute laws concerning piracy, defining pirates as hostis humanis generis and detailing the legal distinctions, jurisdictional rules, and trial procedures for piracy u
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters/endnotes.md): This chapter contains endnotes providing citations and references for the main text.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_general_history_of_the_pirates_se/chapters