Eric Jay Dolin

Before diving into the Golden Age of Piracy, Dolin sets the scene with the Treaty of Tordesillas and the circumnavigation of the globe by Drake, which was summed up quite nicely.. Then from the 1640s to the 1680s he describes how the American colonies developed a profitable relationship with pirates. Even Puritan Governor John Winthrop of Massachusetts welcomed them with open arms. "Red Sea Men" as they were called, brought in the first silver bullion and hundreds of America's earliest slaves. Besides the more infamous names, we're introduced to Dixie Bull, Thomas Paine, Michel Landresson, Thomas Pound, Thomas Tew, Adam Baldridge, John James, John Quelch, Lewis Guittar and more. Then of course there are the determined pirate hunters: Thomas Thacker, William Dyer, Captain Pease, Robert Snead, Lord Bellomont and even Salem Witch Trial judge Samuel Sewall. But with pirate booty lining the pockets of prominent merchants and royal governors, it would take new laws and a complete political overhaul to reel in the pirates' success.

Dolin really delivers here. Black Flags, Blue Waters fills in some of the gaps that other pirate histories leave behind. I appreciated that this one stuck to the American colonies, rather than focusing solely on Jamaica and Madagascar. People tend to forget that the pirates may have raided int he Caribbean but they unloaded in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Charleston. But Dolin doesn't overpower the reader with every little prize taken or world politics either. He effectively proves that pirates had a direct effect on the economy, the local government and inter-colonial relationships. The colonies were as active in the Golden Age of Piracy as any island in the Caribbean.… (lisätietoja)

An excellent book about the revolution that centers on naval engagements. Whereas the Grand Army struggled to prove its effectiveness, the ad-hoc "navy" of the colonies brought home much needed supplies, money, and moral boosts. Much like a swarm of gnats, not strong enough to directly destroy a much larger foe, the colonial naval force bled Parliament and King George of their trade, their income, and ultimately diluted the naval superiority enjoyed by the British. Many naval ships of Britain were re-purposed as armed escorts for merchant convoys which meant they could not be used in the execution of battle plans against the Rebels in the colonies.
The book weaves together many separate tales of privateers and the Continental Navy throughout the fight for Independence. By understanding the effectiveness of privateers and letters of marque, the reader can gain a better understanding of decisions made by both Parliament, King George, and the Continental Congress.
A very good read and excellent addition to anyone's American Revolution library.… (lisätietoja)

Dolin's book is well researched and details the development of American and Chinese relations from the time just after America's founding until the later parts of the 1800s. As most the interaction between the two nations was centered around trade Dolin is very thorough described the trade systems and practices that were used in during the period. By providing this information if provides great context on how events described in the given anecdotes effect one another as changes developed in economic and governmental standards. I would say the most interesting section of the book are the emergence of America as a world trading entity, The Opium War (ironically chronicling a great deal of history of British interacting with China as well as American), and details on the development of shipping in the 1800s. While many might find the subject of 18th-19th century trading drab Dolin's writing style results in the book being not too difficult to understand for those with no pre-existing knowledge of the subject, with a length not daunting for unseasoned readers. The makes the book very consumable and appropriate for those looking for "light reading" Overall, very informative and worth a read.… (lisätietoja)