Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas

by Laura Sook Duncombe Narrated by Hillary Huber

Overview

In the first-ever Seven Seas history of the world's female buccaneers, Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas tells the story of women, both real and legendary, who through the ages sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts. These women came from all walks of life but had one thing in common: a desire for freedom. History has largely ignored these female swashbucklers, until now. Here are their stories, from ancient Norse princess Alfhild and warrior Rusla to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs; from Grace O'Malley, who terrorized shipping operations around the British Isles during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; to Cheng I Sao, who commanded a fleet of four hundred ships off China in the early nineteenth century.

Author Laura Sook Duncombe also looks beyond the stories to the storytellers and mythmakers. What biases and agendas motivated them? What did they leave out? Pirate Women explores why and how these stories are told and passed down, and how history changes depending on who is recording it. It's the most comprehensive overview of women pirates in one volume and chock-full of swashbuckling adventures that pull these unique women from the shadows into the spotlight that they deserve.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Thoroughly researched and enthrallingly written, Duncombe shows love and mastery of the subject in equal measure.” —Jason Porath, author of Rejected Princesses: Tales of History’s Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics


“A satisfying and necessary addition to the piratical pop culture canon.” —Bitch


“Duncombe reveals dozens of fascinating tales, starting with the earliest known female pirate—Queen Artemisia I of Halicarnassus in the 5th century BC.” —New York Post


“Highly readable and interesting . . . Pirate Women is a good introduction to female pirates and the eras in which they lived.” —Pirates and Privateers Website


“Duncombe’s well-researched account will appeal to history and women’s studies aficionados, lovers of myth and lore, and all interested in viewing the past through a new lens.” —Booklist


“A deftly written and impressively organized and presented volume.” —Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"Duncombe's well-researched account will appeal to history and women's studies aficionados, lovers of myth and lore, and all interested in viewing the past through a new lens." —Booklist

OCTOBER 2017 - AudioFile

Narrator Hillary Huber gives voice to women who had little or no control of the historical record they left behind. Listeners are transported through history and Hollywood films in this exploration of the lives of pirate women. As the author weaves historical fragments and legends, the result is an intriguing series of biographical portraits that contribute to the discussion of how narratives are constructed. Observations made by the author are delivered as though Huber were speaking with a sympathetic audience. Her straightforward, even-keeled style is perfectly suited to this discussion of notable and obscure figures such as pirate queen Grace O’Malley, the swashbuckling duo Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and the indomitable Cheng I Sao. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171214128
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	07/04/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,113,154

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