Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates

About Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates

"Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates" by Howard Pyle is a historical compilation of fiction, fact, and fanciful tales concerning pirates, particularly buccaneers and marooners of the Spanish Main, written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Pyle's talent not only as a writer but also as an illustrator, bringing to life the adventurous and often ruthless world of piracy. The book covers stories of famous figures like Captain Morgan and explores the vibrant yet perilous life at sea during a time of exploration and opportunism. The opening of the book sets the stage for a riveting exploration of piracy’s history, starting with the tales of French adventurers who transformed into buccaneers on the northwestern coast of Hispaniola. It details their initial foray into hunting and preserving wild cattle for profit, leading to conflicts with Spanish settlers and eventually paving the way for organized piracy against Spanish vessels. Characters such as Pierre le Grand emerge as notable figures who capitalize on this transition from hunting to plundering, foreshadowing tales of infamous pirates and the allure of treasure that captivate both the participants and the larger world. Through rich descriptions, Pyle transports readers into a turbulent era where daring and lawlessness thrive on the high seas.

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Opening line

“JUST above the northwestern shore of the old island of Hispaniola - the Santo Domingo of our day - and separated from it only by a narrow channel of some five or six miles in width, lies a queer little hunch of an island, known, because of a distant resemblance to that animal, as the Tortuga de Mar, or sea turtle.”

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