The pirates of the New England coast, 1630-1730

This volume brings the clashing worlds of early colonial trade and seafaring outlawry into sharp focus, drawing on a wealth of original court records, newspaper reports, and archival documents. Readers will follow the first wave of piracy that struck New England’s busy harbors in the late 1600s, encountering vivid accounts of daring raids, brutal confrontations, and the desperate measures merchants took to protect their cargoes.

Interwoven with the factual material are personal anecdotes from contemporary observers, including the striking narratives of Capt. Charles Johnson, whose firsthand knowledge lends a gritty realism to the tales of capture, murder and injury. Detailed maps, period engravings and rare chart reproductions enrich the story, letting listeners picture the coastline that once hid hidden coves and treacherous shoals. By the end of the first act, the reader has a clear sense of how piracy shaped daily life in early New England, setting the stage for the law‑making battles that would follow.