Zack's Pirate Hunter

[Hester]

During the summer, I read Richard Zack's biography of Captain Kidd and his nemesis, the pirate Robert Culliford, called The Pirate Hunter.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I especially liked Zack's narrative style, in that this work of non-fiction read very much like a novel [and would make a great movie!].

I'm interested to hear the Captain Twill set's kudos and brickbats regarding the accuracy of Zack's historical research (which I'm sure must be controversial in places).

Cheers, Hester

[Fox]

I liked Zacks' writing style on the whole, but at times I found that it was too journalistic (unsurprising since Zacks is a journalist). I recall one or two downright errors, but offhand I can't think what they were and I remember that they weren't particularly significant ones.

My one complaint of the book is that his main thrust really came across that Kidd was a man wronged and he shouldn't have been hanged yadayadayada. Really good historical writing should address the question and present the evidence for both sides in a way that Zacks did not. I seem to recall too that Zacks was quite adamant about Kidd's innocence, which is overlooking the fact that had he not been hanged for the piracy on the Quedah Merchant he could also have been hanged for his other piracies and the murder of William Moore. :)

However, it is a while since I read the book so I might be misremembering.

[Red Maria]

All I can say is (since I have not read the book) Robert (Roy) C. Ritchie (author of Captain Kidd and the War Against the Pirates also Driector of Reasearch at the Huntington Library) was not impressed by this book. More like annoyed at the extreme by Zacks book.

Nuf said :)

[Fox]

Actually, this inspires an interesting idea... how about a Pyracy Pub book group? Take two books on similar subjects (like, for example, Ritchie's and Zacks' books on Kidd), read them, and compare notes.

[kass]

Whoever would like to go first just title your post "Pyracy Pub Book Club" and I'll sticky it for you.

Kass

moderator

[Capt. Sterling]

Actually, this inspires an interesting idea... how about a Pyracy Pub book group? Take two books on similar subjects (like, for example, Ritchie's and Zacks' books on Kidd), read them, and compare notes.

Brilliant idea...I'm game!