dasNdanger

Hmmm....Jack Sparrow's son, by chance?? das

Yah.... but can you document it...... Maybe I can... das

Ah, the DK book is only one little funsie thing I have. I have many grown-up books too!! REALLY, and TRUE, I DO!! :) Wanna see 'em?? I'll show you mine, if ya show me yours... *shoves cork back into bottle and locks it in cabinet* Okay - I think I'm ready to be slighty serious. Maybe. Of course, we can debate 'til we're blue in the face about accuracy, documentation, etc...and it all really boils down to simple personal opinion, and I feel there is no DEFINITE right or wrong on this matter. Personally I believe that throughout history there have been men who wear the occasional earring aboard ship, depending on culture, superstition, whatever - doesn't make me right (nor wrong), it's just the way I feel. I really don't see what all the fuss is, really, because there is no way that historians could have documented the attire of EVERY pirate or seaman who ever lived. And I'm sure there were a lot of 'fashion' rebels out there who did what they darn well pleased! There's just no way someone can say, for a fact, that no sailor or pirate ever wore an earring during that period of time, and the opposite holds true, too. However, I did find these little tidbits on the accuracy-challenged internet - think of it what you will: "The Seaman's practice of wearing earrings dates from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), not so much in loyalty to the queen as to satisfy a fisherman's old superstition that pierced ears would improve their eyesight and make them more lively. The occasional earring, of plain yellow gold, is still seen in the Royal Navy, worn usually on the left ear lobe only". And: "Though earrings date back to around 3000 B.C. and piercings are evident in sculptures of King Tut, it wasn't until the 16th century that men really embraced the act of putting holes in their ears, when nobles and upper middle class gentlemen began visiting esthetician shops beside wizards' castles. Portraits show that Sir Walter Raleigh and William Shakespeare had their ears pierced. Sailors also wore hoops in their ears, as legend goes, because the gold would afford them a Christian burial if their bodies happened to wash up on shore." So, who knows. It seems that many people have the impression that men began wearing earrings around the 16th/17th century (anyone in the mood to find aforementioned pics of Raleigh and Shakespeare?). Of course, it probably took a long time for the 'fad' to catch on...but I figure it's safe to say that some brave souls gave it a go. And, of course, that's not taking into consideration sailors who came from non-European cultures where men did wear such adornment. I still don't see what all the fuss is over, though. If only ONE pirate during the years in question wore an earring, then it would be safe to portray pirates as wearing them, since it wouldn't be an inaccurate depiction. Do the majority of people have to do the same thing in order for it to be historically accurate? Nah... Take into consideration the personal tastes of these men, their backgrounds, their eccentricities. They were a varied bunch, and there were probably no two exactly alike. And they were scavengers, taking what they could and adapting it accordingly. I bet we can't even begin to imagine some of the inventive ways they found to adorn and to entertain themselves. A pirate with an earring...not a big deal. However, a pirate in a bodystocking and stiletto-heeled boots...well, that's a different story... (NTTAWWT...) das

There seems to be plenty of evidence, IMHO, to support the use of sashes. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasN...nger/pirate.jpg Although I do not know when this statue was made, it clearly shows a sash on Rene Duguay-Trouin (1673-1736). And the boots are not dissimilar to 'big ol' bucket boots', though the do appear to be toned-down a little. Of course, this was a French corsair, not a Caribbean buccaneer - but it's still a representation of piratical fashion of the day. My biggest problem with the boots, however, is the tropical heat of the Caribbean - I wouldn't think it very comfy to be wearing hot, clunky boots all day long. But I suspect that boots, coats, etc were only worn on shore, and while working the ship most men pretty much stripped down to the bare essentials. Many of the woodcuts on this site, those of Rackam, Roberts, Church and others, were made to illustrate the 1725 edition of Johnson/Defoe's(?) General History of...Pyrates. http://www.piratehaven.org/~beej/pirates/#pirates Now, how much artistic license was taken in the creation of these pictures is debatable, but let's just assume that they are accurate. It would seem that 'buckle shoes' were the fashion of the early 18th century, and does seem more practical to wear in the tropical heat. It's very possible that both boots and shoes were worn, though I figure a lot of pirates just went barefoot on deck, and perhaps elsewhere. But these pictures clearly show many of the pirates with sashes tied about their waists, so I have to think that a sash was a common accessory. However, none, that I can tell, show earrings. However, these are just pictures of 'captains' in there Sunday best...who knows what the average 'deck hand' on a pirate ship wore. But it is logical that they dressed exactly like they did when serving in the navy, or on a merchant ship (The majority of pirates were sailors first and foremost, not many lubbers turned directly to piracy without serving on a legitimate sailing vessel first). So, I personally think it's safe to assume that an ordinary pirate, fresh of a merchant vessel, dressed as he did before - and it's well-accepted that ordinary/able-bodied seamen often wore an earring, and sometimes two - a long-standing tradition of the sea. Does this mean that EVERY sailor/pirate wore one? Nah - doubt it. And since pirates often went through some pretty lean times, I would think only the most successful crews sported the occasional ornamentation. But since most of the pictures and descriptions we do have of pirates revolve around the relatively few 'famous' captains, it is hard to decide what is historically accurate, and what is not. But I do think it's safe to say that pirates, as men of the sea, were apt to follow the traditions ALL sailors have held to since the dawn of seafaring. If earrings were part of the seafaring culture during the 1600's, then I think it's safe to assume that at least a few pirates wore earrings. das

*looks through kiddie pirate book* ya know, these things come in handy even if it's embarrassin' as all get out to buy one without a child in tow... In many of the books I have there are old 18th & 19th century etchings/pictures and many DO show a sash worn instead of a belt, so perhaps it was just a matter of personal choice, availability, or convenience. From looking at these pictures, there seems to be more evidence to support sashes than earrings. Of course, there is the 'license' that many artists have taken. Just listening today about paintings of George Washington and how his unappealing features were often changed or omitted by the artist makes me think of this very debate. And anyone familiar with early paintings of Native Americans know that the facial features and attire often took on a European flavor. So I think the same may be true of period art representing pirates. Items may have been added/omitted and we would never know the difference. And as far as written information...well, that's sketchy at best on everything dealing with pirates except their more infamous exploits. I have tried to find details on clothing and daily habits/routines of pirates and come up with the same, scant information. This leads me to think that the reason there is so little information about their personal appearence is because it was nothing exceptional - it was fairly close to what the people of the day were used to. I'm figuring most pirates just dressed like any other ordinary seaman, and probably didn't stand out as different, so therefore their appearance didn't merit any special attention in text or art. Only if their appearance stood out - like Teach's - did we seem to get a more detailed description. das

I have a fox tail, but strictly fer pettin' purposes...and I will love him and hug him and pet him and squeeze him and I will call him George... Lenny

Well, mate - yer one o' the lucky ones - seeing as I have both me ears pierced and I'm still as blind as sea slug. On a side note (kinda), I just read an article at nationalgeographic.com and it suggested that pirates pierced their ear to prevent seasickness - has anyone else heard of this new theory before?? *tosses in proverbial monkey wrench and waits to see what happens* das

Aye, I have spent me gold at the Hidesmith's, and have been well pleased. Mind you, I have only purchased a fluffy fox tail, and a flapped pouch (with two buttoned pockets, I do not see it in the item list), which I have had a million compliments on, and has proven to be sturdy and durable despite my unending attempts to overstuff the sucker with bulky goods in an attempt to smuggle them past my curious husband's nose. Last summer at the PA Ren Faire my niece purchased a leather bodice, and has been well pleased with it also. I'm very happy with the quality of his work, although he's a bit pricey (the on-line prices do seem to be lower than the Ren Faire prices, however - but I can't say for sure). Jekyl the Hidesmith has a very good reputation at the Faire, both with cast and visitors. I just have to tell you about a BEAUTIFUL pouch he had last year - the softest deerskin I have ever felt - it was like BUTTAH!! I was soooo tempted to buy it, but ended up getting the one that I have now because I was afraid the deerskin would be too delicate. I still kick myself for not snatching it - it was lovely... So, yeah - I'm happy, both with what I have bought there, and what I have seen in the shop... das

*pops cork out of bottle, and takes a swig* Okay - gonna jump into this debate a wee bit late... I have always heard that the earring was specifically to pay for burial, especially in the navy. Here's mention of it from another site: "The wearing of a gold earring by sailors goes back for thousands of years. In ancient time, sailors wore a gold earring in case their ship sank, or they were swept overboard. After they drown, their body would hopefully wash ashore somewhere. Wherever that was, the sailor hoped that the gold earring was of enough value to those that found his body to give it a decent burial. Anything else upon his person would of been destroyed by salt water, but not metal attached to his body." ~ Richard Horrell From this site I found the following: "Sailors became convinced that piercing one ear would improve their long-distance site, and so the site of a sailor with a gold or brass ring became common. Word also spread that should a sailor be washed ashore after a shipwreck, the finder should keep the gold ring in exchange for providing a proper Christian burial. Sailors were both religious and superstitious, so they generally spent a lot for a large gold earring to hedge their bets." In my readings, I have found this last statement to be most true. Sailors of all sorts were both highly superstitious, and highly religious - and pirates were probably at the top of the list in this regard. Many pirates, especially along the Barbary Coast, were terrorizing and pillaging along religious lines - Christian pirates vs. Muslim pirates. Pirates in the New World still held to the beliefs of their homelands, and lived in an era when the existence of God had not been called into question as it is today. Theirs was also a 'religious' war - Protestant England raiding the merchant fleets and settlements of Catholic France and Spain. They knew they were sinners, knew they were condemned and because of it had - perhaps - a deeper 'appreciation' of their mortality. Even today many criminals hold to a certain faith - even if they do not practice it in principle. Believing in God and being morally upright are two very different things. Also, as several RL sailors have told me - you can't be in the middle of the ocean during a storm and not realize that there are forces much bigger than yourself - and they also tell me that there are very few sailors who don't have a respect for God. And that is today, when faith and God have taken a back seat to nationalism and science. So, I suspect that any sailor of old - including pirates - would have a reverence for God, even if they rejected the laws and morals of the day. Therefore, I also suspect that they DID care about how they were buried, but not just because of their soul - it was also a matter of tradition. Since pirates - MOST pirates - had been legitimate sailors before turning to a 'life of crime', it makes sense that they would hold to some of the traditions and superstitions of sailors in general, and a proper burial was one of the most important things to a seafaring man. The dreaded thought of a dishonorable send-off led to certain traditions, including the burial at sea that we have all become familiar with - a sailor, sewn up in his hammock, a few words said over the body, and off a plank and into the briny deep he goes. Now - it can be debated as to why sailors wore earrings, but I can buy into the theory that it was done to pay for their burial if they are lost at sea and wash up on an unknown shore. (Remember, a burial 300 years ago didn't cost what it does today, with all the commercial profit considerations and legalities. A sailor would be concerned about being buried in the right place (churchyard, etc) more than how flamboyant or expensive the ceremony was...) So, I have NO problem accepting that pirates had enough belief in God to care about how they were buried, and had enough appreciation for seafaring traditions to wear an earring for the said purpose of insuring a proper (albeit cheap) burial. That all said - the question still arises: DID pirates wear earrings? Well, I have been looking at several early 19th-century pictures, and have seen a few that depict pirates as wearing earrings, but not the majority. So, I think it would be safe to assume that some did - but not necessarily all - perhaps just the near-sighted ones... So, could pirates have worn earrings to improve their eyesight?? Perhaps - but if it's so, I doubt that ALL wore an earring to improve their eyesight. I just can't buy into a bunch of New Age acupuncture addicted scallywags sitting around exchanging health treatment options... "Reflexology!! Thar be the way to go!" "ARRRR!! I be tellin' ya, mate - it's the hole in the ear works - me eyes are as sharp as a spy glass!" "I be disagreeing with ya, Red Legs. It's the bilberry, eyebright herb, and ginkgo biloba formula - with just a wee bit o' cayenne pepper - that makes yer eyes shine brighter than the diamond in a French tart's navel!" Nah - just can't see it... Anyway, that all said, I have a few theories of me own. First, as someone here suggested - there are cultural considerations. A third of Caribbean pirates were of African decent, some had Native American blood, others were European. In many of these cultures men wore ornamentation in their ears...so why not openly show such traditions now that they were free to do so in the 'democratic' and free piratical society? These men also travelled, and in visiting other lands, it's very possible that they picked up customs along the way, such as the tattooing common in the South Pacific. But one thing that everyone (historians who speculate, that is) seems to forget - pirates were just like you and I. People and their habits really don't change much. So, think about yourself and where you often put your 'investments'. Imagine you're a pirate living under the unpredictable conditions at sea and on the lam. Do you trust the safety of your valuables around your shipmates? I doubt it. And what of shipwreck or any other circumstance that might cause you to leave your valuables behind? These men had no savings accounts, no 'buried treasure', no insurance. They had nothing but the clothes on their backs. So, I've always suspected that the wearing of any jewelry was, perhaps, more like a 'savings' account - a way to keep their 'treasure' safe and accessible. Sure, most pirates spent everything they pillaged on wine and women and gambling - but certainly the odd thrifty one or two had a back-up plan, and it would only make sense to hid any valuables in plain sight, where others wouldn't think too much about it. So, although I do believe that SOME pirates wore an earring to improve their eyesight, or to insure a proper burial, I think many did so for less 'romantic' reasons...for simple ornamentation that doubled as a seafaring 'savings' account that they COULD take with them wherever they went... *pops cork back into bottle* das

grace...GRACE???!!! Hey!!! You STOLE this post from crossing-blades!!!!!! PIRATE! LOL, Charity - thanks for giving her a bit o' credit...and good thing you did, 'cause I think she'd make you walk the plank, certain sure! das

A place ya might wanna start is at the ASTA (American Sail Training Association) website: http://www.tallships.sailtraining.org They have a great little directory that lists most of the sailing ships available in North America for sail training...some as volunteer crew like what I do on the A. J. Meerwald, some as regualr crew...some as paying passengers for day or overnight sails. Non-members can purchase it, I believe, and it's worth having if you are interested in learning to sail. One thing to keep in mind, too...many are schooners, and some folks prefer the square-riggers. But pirates and smugglers often favored the smaller, coast-hugging schooners for carrying out their dastardly deeds. So don't be quick to scoff at the smaller fore-and-aft rigged ships out there, you can just as easily imagine a pirate crew working one of them as you can see 'em on a hulking square-rigger... Sail-training ships in California: Dana Point Pilgrim (schooner) Spirit of Dana Port (schooner) Long Beach American Pride (schooner, three-masted) Tole Mour (top-sail schooner, three-masted) Los Angeles Bill of Rights (gaff-topsail schooner) Exy Johnson (brigantine) Irving Johnson (brigantine) Peter Puget ( a WEE standing lug ) Swift of Ipswich (topsail schooner) Newport Beach Argus (topsail ketch - Boy Scout Training vessel that recently rescued diver left behind by dive boat - this ship is not available to general public for sailing, as far as I know.) Richmond Nehemiah (ketch) San Diego Californian (topsail schooner) Star of India (barque) San Francisco Alma (schooner) Bagheera (staysail schooner) Balclutha (full-rigged ship) C. A. Thayer (schooner, three-masted) Corsair (a WEE ketch ) Viking (a WEE cutter ) Sausalito Clipper Patricia (topsail schooner) Dariabar (schooner) Gas Light (SF scow schooner) Hawaiian Chieftain (square topsail ketch) There - it's a place to start. Not all of these take volunteers, or have day sails available to the public. Most ships, however, even when they don't have public sails, still need crew. It may be worth checking some out (the ones that I said are 'WEE' are very small boats, and not what you are looking for. However, some of the schooners are massive, and well worth checking to see what sort of programs they offer...) Hope it helps... das

Not sure if this is the proper forum for this, so feel free to move if it belongs somewhere else... The Corsairs of St. Malo, a special about France's privateers (17th-18th centuries) and the sunken ships found off the coast of this port town, will air on the Science Channel's Science of the Deep series on September 24, 2004 (I do not have air times). There is a small write-up about the show and the excavation of the sunken vessels in the Sept/Oct 2004 issue of Archaeology magazine. Since a French team lead the expedition, the article warns that much of the documentary is dubbed, "and not very well, which is distracting". But it continues: "To its credit, "Corsairs" shows archaeology as it often is - slow and frustrating, but with enough tantalizing leads to drive the research forward. By the end, the team pins down the identity of the St. Malo corsairs, giving the city its first concrete link to a notorious privateer past." This sounds interesting, so I wanted to let everyone know in time...if you have access to this channel, make a note to tune in!! das

Well.....sorry I missed everyone... *sniffle*... I only went on Saturday (LOVED the rain...HATED the lightning... )...and I forgot about the meet-up until it was too late (I was in a group of about 30 family and friends - I was having a time just keeping track of all of them!) . Mr. Das and I decided to skip the faire on Sunday and opted for a tour of Amish country...mainly because we're coming back for Scottish (and maybe Irish) weekend, and wanted to save our return tickets for that. Ah well...there will be other chances to get acquainted, I'm sure... das

okie-dokie!!! No fightin' in me thread!! Well, I decided to go more feminine this time, mainly because Mr. Das was with me, and I didn't want him straying too far from his home port, ifyaknowwhatimean.... I wore a long skirt - black heavy cotton...it's kinda full even without stuff underneath - and I was too hot in the morning to layer. So, I wore that, and a 'peasant' blouse, no bodice and no cleavage...I prefer a little 'mystery'. And a sash and belt and sandals, carried a pistol, powder flask, small pouch with extra shot, pistol, knife, bosun's whistle, a string of real coins (foreign, but not old), skeleton keys (actually barrel and bit keys...mostly bit..but who's keeping track... ), coin pouch, old pewter mug, and ...LIPSTICK! ...so, basically I 86ed the authentic thing. It makes sense that most tried to pass for men - heck - that's what I would have done in a male-dominated world. But it's also more practical - having hauled on a few lines meself - I know that less is more, and slops and a shirt are all ya need - no rings, no jewlery that can get caught in the lines (we had a crew mate nearly lose a finger a couple of years ago when a line separated then snapped closed on her finger - she swears that if she had been wearing a ring, her finger would have been ripped off. As it was, she lost a good hunk of it even without the ring). But I also like the idea that when they came ashore - some may have decided to dress a little more feminine...thus my decision to go 'girly'. However - I draw the line at a.. *gasp, choke, gasp*...bodice. If a woman was free enough to sail off with a band of brigands, she was liberated enough to burn her bloody bodice!! I also suppose it may depend on whether their crew knew they were women. To dress and fight like men was one thing aboard ship or while sacking a port - but what about 'a night on the town', or while idle on land between raids? In the navy, women who were discovered living as men amongst the crew were quickly discharged from service. But I wonder just how accepted they were on a pirate ship full of men? Were some known to be women, while others passed as men...and what happened to them if they were discovered?? Sorry - I really haven't studied up on female pirates much, and only know a few stories about the more famous ones... das

Hey, you saucy wench!!! Where ye be hidin'???? Of course me be wantin' to wear the pants, since I be gettin' into 'is all the time anyway!! I have a pair o' black capri-type pants just got at a shop, not really the right material, but they had laces down the leg - I just replaced the black laces with brown leather ones and blackened the shiny silver eyelets...they be kinda baggy, so they look fairly good from afar. My problem is that I have no peasant tops - I have avoid them because without a bodice I look like Fezzik from Princess Bride.... I do have one VERY old kinda peasanty top - it's slightly yellowed and the elastic is shot...I'm thinking I might be able to do something with that and the pants...or I may break down and just wear a blasted skirt so I don't look so butch... On a lighter note - dear Mr. Das looks great in his outfit!! Why is it that the one who's not enthusiastic about the event looks the best???? das

Ack! I would have died! Of course - I would not have changed, either. Arrrr.... Your outfit sounds absolutely beautiful (perhaps you should be making the costumes for the Pride and Prejudice remake - I hear they are causing a stir...). It sounds as if you had a much better time in London...but still, what rudeness on their part! They should have been thrilled that they had a 'fan' in their midst!! And, like you suggest, how do they know you don't normally dress that way...?? My everyday dress isn't too far off from what I wear to the Ren Faire. Last year Jack Sparrow gave me a wicked cool idea of what to do with all my loose beads from broken jewelry and such, my fingers and wrists are gypsified...and I hate 'shorts', so I regularly wear capri-length pants...erm...TROUSERS...of varying bagginess, in the warmer weather. So I walk around looking like some kind of gypsy/pirate freak - and don't really give a happy rat's arse what people think. I only worry at the faires because I figure people are checking out the other costumes, and that makes me a little self-conscious. What I would like to create is a tattered pirate look - dirty and torn up a bit...my problem is I can't bear to destroy perfectly good clothes!!! Gah...I'm an anal retentive pirate... das

No - I can't! I also can't see climbing the Killer Hill at the PA Ren Faire in shoes and stockings!! I was thinking of going that way...but opted for sandals (all leather). I figure my pirate came Bali or something...no, wait...erm...the label says 'China'....oh well, so...Hmmm....guess that means I should've paid closer attention to that Jackie Chan pirate movie on IFC last night... das

Yeah, and so are 'pumpkin pants' , but ya won't catch me dead in a pair o' them! I actually have a fantastic pair of 'piraty' linen pants and a great linen shirt - but I love 'em so much I don't want them to get ruined at the faire, so they be staying home! And yeah, folks are pretty easy on faire-goers - if I ever got into re-enacting or the SCA or anything, THEN I'd have to worry, but for now I don't fret too much over the smaller details. Besides, the way I figure it, as a pirate, all my period-'wrong' items ('minstrel' vest, 18th cent. flintlock pistol, 21st cent. sandals, etc...) can easily be explained away as, 'Oh, that...I stole it from the French...' das

Ah, thank you kindly... (MUST get around to readin' that stack of pirate books I'm hoardin'... ...then I wouldn't have to ask such lame questions...) 'of the period'??? Erm...anyone gonna string me up for a cotton-poly blend... Well, that 'authentic' gene I have is nicely countered by the 'procrastination' gene and the 'You expect me to pay WHAT for that thing??!' gene - which means that I don't plan a costume until two days before an event and it's too late and I'm usually too cheap to buy the good stuff anyway... das

Please forgive me for probably bringing up an ancient subject, but I've been absent for a while...raidin' other foru...erm...ports...and so I've missed quite a bit. But, having just been to the PA Ren Faire, and planning to go a couple more times this year, I got to wondering about what would be in a real female pirate's wardrobe. I am not comfy in traditional 'pirate wench' attire, tho Mr. Das would certainly love me to dress that way. :) But in mid-August there is no way in hell that anyone is gonna squeeze me into a vice-like bodice. And the skirts (esp. with underslips and all) are just too hot for me. I know it's said that female pirates would dress like men...but was it to actually pass for a man, or simply because it was more practical and comfortable? I have this naggin' li'l 'authentic' gene in me, and can't imagine a female pirate a-pillagin' and a-plunderin' or workin' a ship while all dressed up like a portside doxy! I love the 'wench' costumes, but they are just not for me. Yet I feel really out of place being one of the only ladies at the faire 'dressed down' with more masculine attire (think Mr. Gibbs from POTC...with a rack and no whiskers...kinda... ). So, what would a female pirate really wear?? The purty girly stuff, or slops and a seaman's shirt? Or would she have both - the former for paying a visit to port, and the latter for sacking the port? Jus' wonderin'.... das

Ah, no worries about the stout!!! Flows freely at the fair this year - both next to the old Swashbuckler's (which is still there, just not open for dining), and down at the other end of the shire, near the jousting grounds. I had a pint just to quench me thirst, but not enough to get sparrowed*. I did catch a bit of the Pyrates Royale show, and love the Rakish Rogues and Terrors. I didn't see them this past weekend, but my must-see-every-show-twenty-times-in-a-day sister did. She's an anal retentive pirate. Some other nice features: They're building a wall around the shire, and facing the parking area, high on the wall, is a BEAUTIFUL mural of a pirate. Also the stage by the ol' Swashbuckler's has black fabic drapped about that looks suspiciously similar to the sails of the Black Pearl. And there is also a lovely mural/picture of battling ships behind the stage. I was told that the plan is to enclose the stage for next year and that are will become a banquet hall - so that's something to look forward to! The entire cast now seems to have distanced themselves from the fantasy thing, I didn't see a single faerie this year amongst them. However, I noticed an increase of Goth/bondage/Pagan/Van Helsing visitors...and a few King Arthur enthusiasts. In fact, when I first got there, I thought I was gonna be the only pirate...but eventually the scallywags began gathering outside the castle walls, and I felt a little more at ease. When I was buying me ticket, the gals on the wall starting yelling down to me 'Where's yer ship, pirate?!', but I didn't realize until it was too late that they were actually talking to me (after noticing I was the only pirate in the vicinity). I just caught the tail end of 'em mumbling something to the effect of me being a blind and deaf pirate... I, however, prefer to think of myself as Captain Clueless... das *means drunk.

*peeks in* Arrrrr....I just be to the Faire this weekend - and quite accidently ran into one Indigojack there, too. We chatted about books and stuff. See?? Sometimes it does pay to talk to strangers... Things are a little different this year. No Swashbuckler's Pub - instead all drink and food is outside. I really missed the atmosphere the dark li'l Pub offered, and was a wee bit disappointed to see everything on the hill changed. (SOME things are for the better, tho...nice stage there...and pyrate PRIVIES! ...okay...i'm easy to please...k? ) I didn't see any shows (my sister said most were 'dull'..but it was opening day...) - just strolled around and chatted with strangers (see above), and bought too much 'stuff'...(I'm too honest of a pirate, I actually PAY for everything I plunder...) Mr. Das and I will be there in our piratey best for Pirates Weekend, too...not sure if I'll have a chance to meet up with anyone (and since I rarely sail these waters, not likely anyone even *knows* me from here anyway)..but if I stumble upon the group, I'll be sure to say howd...erm...'ahoy', or some other 'piratical' greeting. das

No worries, mate!! Funny thing is - you were the second person who thought that I was someone else on a forum - it's never happened before, then it happens twice in the same day!! And I think both times I was mistaken for a bloke!! Hmmmm...perhaps I need to start pluckin' again... das

Thanks everyone!!!!! {and feel free to keep posting more suggestions!!} Dang - this pirate stuff is a cinch!! Hardly have to lift a finger and everything just falls into me lap!! Oh - and redhand - Me thinks yer mixin' me up with another scallywag...for I am, in fact, a woman.... Or so I was the last time I looked. So it's either that, or I'm a eunuch...with strategically placed water wings... das

Alright...so I be showin' up after months of sailin' other waters, just to ask ye all a question... Here goes: I've paged through the threads dealing with pirate books...but I STILL don't know which ones are the most accurate, and have the best general info. So, I'll tell ya what I be a-lookin' fer...{hehehe...slipped into pirate-mode there...kinda happens to me whenever I come around here.... }.... I want a book tht's to the point - more like a reference work {pictures are good, too...}. I don't really want 'stories' about Blackbeard and Kidd and dames - I want FACTS: Daily life, hygiene, food/eating arrangements, clothing, sleeping arrangements, vessel types, division of swag, discipline aboard ship, responsibility of captain, quartermaster, lieutenant/mate {if there was one}, bo'sun...and how did these responsibilites differ from the same positions in the merchant trade or navy. Also such things as how victims were treated, the taking of captives, pressing men into piracy, the 'codes' and laws aboard ship, how pirates were treated in port {if they could mingle with society, or if they were immediately arrested - that sort of thing...}, repairing damaged vessels, and other factual, technical sorts of things. I am not looking for 'romantic' stories about the lives of individual pirates, or a lot of speculation about what their life might have been like. ..I just want a GOOD book filled with hard, cold and unexaggerated FACTS. I've heard of the books written in the 1720's about the 'History of Pyrates'...or something like that...by {supposedly} DeFoe...wondering if anyone is familiar with them {didn't pay CLOSE attention as I was paging through those threads, or I MIGHT know the answer to this question...SEE?? I'm a slacker...}. If anyone can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it!!! das