The Republic of Pirates

Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down

By: Colin Woodard

Narrated by: Lewis Grenville

Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The untold story of a heroic band of Caribbean pirates whose defiance of imperial rule inspired revolt in colonial outposts across the world.

In the early 18th century, the Pirate Republic was home to some of the great pirate captains, including Blackbeard, "Black Sam" Bellamy, and Charles Vane. Along with their fellow pirates - former sailors, indentured servants, and runaway slaves - this "Flying Gang" established a crude but distinctive democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which servants were free, Blacks could be equal citizens, and leaders were chosen or deposed by a vote. They cut off trade routes, sacked slave ships, and severed Europe from its New World empires. And for a brief, glorious period, the Republic was a success.

©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audiobooks

Good research!

What made the experience of listening to The Republic of Pirates the most enjoyable?

Getting to know the pirates on a more personal basis than what History class taught;

Which character – as performed by Lewis Grenville – was your favorite?

Edward Teach (Blackbeard) was truly diabolical.

More Information than I expected

Would you listen to The Republic of Pirates again? Why?

Not sure if I will listen to the book over and over. I read it because I was interested in the subject. It did a good job of covering the topic and increasing my knowledge.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The pirates themselves and the way they thought were my favorite characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is a history so I did not have a favorite scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction to the book was one of interest. Governments cared and then they did not care at all about the pirates and there territories. They used pirates as they wished. They commissioned them and they hanged them. It was a risky business to be a leader of a pirate band. Communication was very slow and because of this it helped and hurt the pirates and the colonial leaders in the area.

Any additional comments?

Colin Woodard really studied the subject well. It is the best book I have read on the subject and I have read several. Lewis Grenville did a very good job of presenting the book. I am just glad I was not born during that time.

Felt like reference material

I am not really into nonfiction but I like historical fiction and legends, if you will. Plus I am of the opinion that pirates are the new zombies but I digress. I thought I was going to hear some exciting pirate tales and legends but it was just the facts ma'am and although rumors were mentioned, just briefly. Although the book was interesting it was not exciting. A lot could have to do with the narrator reading it like it was a text book. Also throughout the book he kept announcing pirates with the long A sound and that was kind of grating. My apologies to those who live in a country or region that pronounces it with the long vowel.

Enjoyed the read. Made me reminisce "BLACKSAILS"

Enjoyed this, though I still struggle with some facts solely due to history being written by the victor in some instances. All & all very enthralling. I will say the way it ends felt a little flat, but what can you do...

Need to know the true Blackbeard?

This is your one stop shop for learning the rise and fall of Pirates! It will make you want to grab a cutlas and find some pieces of eight!

Interesting... but not captivating

Listened to this on a Caribbean Cruise. We actually sailed to many of the islands mentioned in the book. Made it more intriguing. I also spent a few years living in Madagascar and La Reunion which are popular Pirate Havens detailed in the book as well. That being said, I finished the book, but partly because downloading a different book while on the seas was challenging. Non history buffs beware... pirate conisoeirs enjoy!

Great book on the history of Pirates

This is not a Disney Pirate book. It is a researched history of the Caribbean Pirates. SE of the names were familiar to me, others were not. Narration was good, clear, and easy to understand. I listen while commuting and would often find myself sitting in the car trying to get to a good stopping point.

Better than a 3.14 rating (pi rate)

Great insight well researched into the motivations of the men and women drawn to piracy. A real treasure full of viewpoints from all sides.

Amazing journey of a book through pirate history.

This is one of my very favorite and most precious books in my library. I have read the printed version twice and heard this audio book twice. Mr. Woodard has truly put a gold's worth of pirate history in the pages of this book, unearthing the true image of the pirates of the Caribbean and beyond.
Mr. Lewis Greenville does an excellent job at narrating this masterpiece, not only demonstrating an utmost skill and talent for narration, but also bringing the content to life by enthusiastically giving essence to every word.

Are educational things supposed to be this fun?

Like all of the subjects Colin Woodard tackles, this one is very well done, detailed, and immensely interesting.