This book, originally published as *De Americaensche Zee-Roovers* in Dutch, provides a detailed and often graphic account of the buccaneers' activities in the Caribbean. Exquemelin, who sailed with Henry Morgan and other notable pirates, describes their raids, battles, and daily lives. The book includes descriptions of the French presence in Hispaniola, the origin and conduct of the buccaneers, and notable events such as the sacking of Panama City. It is a rich source of historical information on piracy during the Golden Age and offers insights into the harsh and often brutal life of the buccaneers.
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who lives at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. After the death of a mysterious sea captain, Billy Bones, Jim finds a map that leads to the treasure of Captain Flint. Along with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim sets sail on the Hispaniola to find the treasure, unaware that many of the crew members are former pirates of Captain Flint's ship, led by the cunning Long John Silver. The novel unfolds as a tale of adventure, mutiny, and the struggle between good and evil, with Jim facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons about courage and loyalty.
Published in 1724, this book contains biographies of contemporary pirates and has been highly influential in shaping the modern conception of pirates. It includes stories of famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny, and is known for its vivid and sometimes embellished accounts. The book was a commercial success, with multiple editions published between 1724 and 1726. It draws from interviews with living pirates, public and legal records, and offers historical context and social analysis of the pirate world[1][2][4].
This book is a comprehensive guide to the world of piracy, detailing the lives, deaths, and exploits of numerous famous pirates and buccaneers. It covers piracy from ancient times to the early 20th century, including notable figures and their activities. The book also discusses the historical context and the eventual decline of piracy due to naval interventions[3][4][5].
The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young and impulsive Englishman, who ignores his parents' advice and sets out to sea. After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, he is eventually shipwrecked on a deserted island near the coast of Venezuela. There, he spends 28 years surviving against incredible odds, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers. The story is influenced by real-life castaways such as Alexander Selkirk and blends elements of Puritan spiritual autobiography, travel literature, and adventure stories. It is considered one of the first modern novels in the English language and explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, civilization, and power.
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sickly boy with a vivid imagination, grew up along Scotland’s rugged coast, where tales of shipwrecks and buried gold stirred dreams of pirates and treasure. Out of this coastal world, Stevenson crafted Treasure Island - and with it, Long John Silver, a character who has since come to define the cunning, complex pirate in our imaginations. But what inspired Stevenson’s tale, and how did his own experiences, steeped in adventure and struggle, breathe life into one of literature’s greatest pirates?
Tracing the origins of Treasure Island and its enduring characters, we learn that the stories are grounded in Stevenson’s Scottish roots, a tapestry of real pirate lore, and the influential writings of Daniel Defoe. We meet Jim Hawkins, the young hero, and Long John Silver, the peg-legged rogue inspired by stories of real marauders.
Join Anita and William as they explore how Treasure Island came to shape the mythical pirate figure and inspire countless adventures.
To buy tickets for Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/great-mughals-art-architecture-opulence?utm_source=empire_podcast&utm_medium=paid_editorial&utm_campaign=great_mughals_empire_podcast
Twitter: @Empirepoduk
Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com
Goalhangerpodcasts.com
Assistant Producer: Anouska Lewis + Becki Hills
Producer: Callum Hill
Exec Producer: Neil Fearn
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Empire 
