North Carolina possesses one of the longest, most treacherous coastlines in the United States, and the waters off its shores have been the scene of some of the most dramatic episodes of piracy and sea warfare in the nation's history. Now, Lindley Butler brings this fascinating aspect of the state's maritime heritage vividly to life. He offers engaging biographical portraits of some of the most famous pirates, privateers, and naval raiders to ply the Carolina waters. Covering 150 years, from the golden age of piracy in the 1700s to the extraordinary transformation of naval warfare ushered in by the Civil War, Butler sketches the lives of eight intriguing characters: the pirate Blackbeard and his contemporary Stede Bonnet; privateer Otway Burns and naval raider Johnston Blakeley; and Confederate raiders James Cooke, John Maffitt, John Taylor Wood, and James Waddell. Penetrating the myths that have surrounded these legendary figures, he uncovers the compelling true stories of their lives and adventures.

Pirates of the Carolinas discusses thirteen of the most fascinating bucaneers in the history of piracy, each of whom is connected somehow to the Carolinas. This book provides insight into the personalities and lives of these sea marauders and answers many questions about what their lives were like.

Often humorous, sometimes chilling, always intriguing, these true stories describe the exploits of such notorious maritime marauders as Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Jean Lafitte, Captain Kidd, and other lesser known but equally cutthroat brigands. Stockton writes of "a grim subject in a spirit both comic and romantic." "The Dictionary of American Biography."

From Blackbeard to female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the stories behind some infamous buccaneers and their way of life are revealed. Learn why they became pirates and how they found their treasure. See what kinds of ships they sailed and how they talked. Then enjoy fun pirate activities and take a quiz to test your knowledge. Before you know it, you'll be able to answer questions like: When was the Golden Age of Piracy? —see page 5 What did pirates eat? —see page 6 Did pirates really have wooden legs? —see page 7 What is a sloop? —see page 10 What is hardtack? —see page 15 Does piracy still exist today? —see page 18 What was the name of Blackbeard's flagship? —see page 24 How were women able to disguise themselves and become pirates? —see page 37 Which pirate was known as the "Arch Pirate"? —see page 41 What languages did pirate Billy Lewis speak? —see page 45 Who was Woodes Rogers and why was he sent to the Bahamas? —see page 51 Did pirates follow any rules? —see page 54 What famous author wrote a story about Captain Kidd's buried treasure? —see page 59 Full of fun facts and colorful art, Pirates of the Carolinas for Kids details the life of a pirate in the Golden Age of Piracy and introduces nine of the most famous pirates to weigh anchor in the Carolinas. See all of the books in this series

21 tales of pirates and ghosts from along the North Carolina coast Haunted houses, graveyards, and other favorite places are are featured Some stories told for the first time and involving people who really lived

Relive the days when some of history's most infamous pirates plagued the coasts of North and South Carolina