This book combines Elite 67- 'Pirates 1660-1730', Elite 69- 'Buccaneers 1620-1700' and Elite 74- 'Privateers and Pirates 1730-1830'. Text by Angus Konstam, plates by Angus McBride. This book tells, in beautifully illustrated detail, the full story of piracy from its origins in the 16th century to the last great piratical wave in the early 19th century. It explores the lives of well-known buccaneers who carried out their raids under the protection of the English crown and the privateers that were relied on by the American Navy during the American Revolution to disrupt British shipping between England and the rebellious colonies. Other subjects covered include the ships, weaponry used, codes of behaviour and the lives of the colourful characters that roamed the high seas searching for plunder.