“Interesting and thought provoking.”—International Journal of Maritime History
 
"Anyone interested in historical archaeology, seafaring, and of course, piracy on the high seas as well as on land will enjoy this book."--Donny L. Hamilton, director, Conservation Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University

"Shows that the piracy of yesteryear had the same economic impact and reasons for being as piracy does today. Pirates, along with their dreams and the dreams of those affected by pirate actions, are brought to light through a series of marvelously written, impeccably researched chapters."--Steve J. Dasovich, Lindenwood University


There is little to distinguish the pirate from the average sailor in the archaeological record. Virtually every pirate-related site yet excavated would not be identified as such without the accompanying historical record. The contributors to this volume combine both material culture and archival research to confirm the exploits of pirates and the ships they sailed.


Expanding on the widely successful X Marks the Spot, Pieces of Eight explores the newest findings in the maritime archaeology of piracy. The contributors examine the latest discoveries at Captain Henry Morgan's encampments and recount William Kidd’s epic capture of the Quedagh Merchant in the Indian Ocean. Other chapters include explorations of Blackbeard’s Queen Anne's Revenge, Bartholomew "Black Bart" Robert's Ranger, and even Hollywood's portrayal of pirates. Pieces of Eight is a thrilling and eye-opening view of pirate life--as well as the final underwater resting places of their ships.


Charles R. Ewen is professor of anthropology at East Carolina University and author or coeditor of several books including Hernando de Soto Among the Apalachee. Russell K. Skowronek is professor of anthropology and history at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and coauthor of several books including HMS Fowey Lost and Found. Together they coedited X Marks the Spot: The Archaeology of Piracy.

Sample Chapter(s):

Table of Contents

Excerpt

Reflect[s] the most current research into archaeological evidence for piracy. . . . Outline[s] avenues of research under exploration and ongoing efforts to derive and test scientific methodologies.
--Naval History

A fascinating volume that makes real progress with the archaeology of piracy.
--Antiquity

Interesting and thought provoking.
--International Journal of Maritime History