Why do I read? I love learning about different cultures, other worlds and realms. Honestly a book is the closest thing to magic, how else can you be magically transported to some place else in just a few seconds?
I have always been fascinated by pirates. I remember at primary school, my history teacher gave one of the best lessons ever, about pirates from the 17th century (never underestimate the power of an enthusiastic teacher). Decades on, and I can still remember parts of the lesson plan. How pirates used to live, the day in the life of a pirate, you get my drift (see what I did there?).
When I saw The Pirates’ Code by Rebecca Simon at my local Waterstones, I had to pick it up. The sub-heading is ‘Laws and Life Aboard Ship’, which I thought was teased an entertaining angle.
The book is a deep dive into the strict rules adopted by self-governed pirates. There were quite a few listicles and illustrations too. The book drew me in, and I learned new things such as fates suffered by kidnapped men, what it was like from the point of view of the actual pirates, and day-to-day living such as how Christmas Day was celebrated or observed.
Did you know that Christmas aboard a pirate ship was a multicultural affair, due to the diverse races on board? The main would most likely have been boar’s head likely found when pirates went onshore in the Caribbean.
I love finding out new things, I’m like a happy sponge for new information. I was curious about the origins of the skull and crossbone flag synonymous with pirate life. This is most likely adopted for the symbol of death that has been around since the Middle Ages, covering the chunk of time between the 5th and 15th century.
It is little titbits that paint a colourful, evocative picture of pirate life dating back to the 1600s.
Pirate culture continues to intrigue millions. These include TV studio heads who ploughed serious money into the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise immortalising Johnny Depp as the wobbly-on-his-feet inebriated pirate with a heart of gold.
Rebecca’s book is insightful and a must-read for any fans of pirate lore, or for anyone who wants to learn something new.