Cultural Representations of Piracy in England, Spain, and the Caribbean: Travelers, Traders, and Traitors, 1570 to 1604

This book explores the concept of piracy as a tool for advancing legal, economic, and political agendas in early modern imperial conflicts in the Caribbean, using Sir Francis Drake as a case study. It argues that the flexible usage of terms like pirate, corsair, buccaneer, and filibuster corresponded to unequal colonial and imperial relations and ideological struggles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate realm of piracy as a powerful tool in the pursuit of legal, economic, and political objectives during the early modern era of imperial conflicts in the Caribbean. By meticulously examining historical accounts, literary texts, legal treatises, and maps, the author traces the visual and narrative representations of Sir Francis Drake, serving as a focal point for understanding the diverse applications of the terms "pirate" and "corsair." Through a comparative analysis, the book explores the connotations associated with maritime predation, including "pirate," "corsair," "buccaneer," and "filibuster," as well as nationalistic and religious denominations such as Lutheran, Catholic, heretic, Spaniard, English, and Creole. By highlighting the flexible usage of these terms, the book argues that they correspond to unequal colonial and imperial relations and ideological struggles.

The book unfolds chronologically, documenting the transformation of piracy from an unregulated phenomenon to its legal definition following the Treaty of London (1604) and the Treaty of Westphalia (1648). Through rigorous research, the author demonstrates that as piracy became less ambiguous through legal and linguistic standardization, its polemical utility diminished. This interdisciplinary volume is a valuable resource for scholars engaged in the study of piracy, early modern history, and imperial history.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367693565