Introduction to the Forum on Pirates & Piracy in World History

Abstract

The difficulty with defining piracy lies in which definition of piracy one uses. Piracy has been considered a perfectly reasonable way to make a living depending on social, economic, and political factors. Pirates can indeed be freelance marauders who used cruelty as a tool to get what they wanted and who most likely deserved their final stop at the gallows. Pirates can also be local heroes who bring prosperity to their struggling maritime communities, especially when the state’s ability to do so was insufficient or useless altogether. In Pirates & Piracy in World History, a variety of scholars from multiple disciplines tackle the subject by examining different regions and historical eras. Whether dilettantes, seasoned experts, researchers, or instructors, most readers who have even a passing interest in maritime history will find something to pique their interest.