Focusing on the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, this account highlights one of the Civil War's most active regiments, known for its significant engagement in battles and high casualty rates. With over 2,100 regiments raised, the Eleventh faced intense combat, resulting in it being labeled "Bloody Eleventh" due to its eighth highest number of battle deaths. The narrative delves into the experiences and sacrifices of this unit, reflecting the harsh realities of war in the Keystone State's western counties.
Piracy along American coastlines and in the Caribbean in the late 1600s and early 1700s is often seen today through a colorful set of modern media archetypes. The reality, however, was usually uglier and frequently lethal. In this book, author Joseph Gibbs goes back to original memoirs, monographs, newspaper articles, and trial records to present a stark picture of piracy in the era of Blackbeard, Bartholomew Roberts, and Ann Bonny and Mary Read. The contents are introduced, annotated, and carefully edited for modern readers. They offer a glimpse of piracy far removed from, and often more engaging than, the romanticized version provided by later writers and filmmakers. They describe the ordeal-filled marches of the Caribbean boucaniers, who were tough enough to eat leather while sacking the cities of the Spanish empire. They also shed light on the pirates’ tactics at sea and on land; their practice of “forcing” captives to join them; their often-sadistic cruelty; and their ships’ “articles” and the primitive democratic standards they upheld. Enhanced with classic maps and illustrations, On the Account in the ‘Golden Age’ offers an unvarnished look at those who sailed, and often died, under the dreaded black and red flags of the era. Readers will see pirates as they actually were—in pursuit of prey, in battle, and sometimes on the way to the gallows.
Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, this gripping narrative explores the life of a notorious pirate known for his ruthless acts of murder and mutiny. The story delves into the chaotic and often violent world of piracy, highlighting the thrilling escapades and moral dilemmas faced by those who lived outside the law. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the essence of adventure and danger that defined the pirate's life, offering readers a glimpse into a turbulent era marked by treachery and rebellion on the high seas.
The novel offers a sensitive and humorous exploration of coming-of-age through the lives of Frank and Brogan, whose memorable characters invite deep reflection. With a focus on their evolving relationship, the story is both insightful and moving, ultimately leading to a perfectly crafted ending. Critics praise it as a character-driven journey that resonates with readers, making it a standout in the genre.
