For anyone interested in the history of high-seas piracy -- not including the modern East African variety -- "A Thousand years of Pirates" is the best book ever. William Gilkerson, historian, author and marine artist, has combined his exceptional talents to produce a work that appeals to, educates and entertains all ages, including mine and those of my grandchildren. It is the perfect companion piece to Gilkerson's recently published novel "Pirate's Passage"Pirate's Passage. "A Thousand Years" brings sharply and convincingly into focus the lives and times of the men -- and a few women -- whose names pepper the archives of sea-going brigandry, and whose stories form the web within which the more modern setting of "Pirate's Passage" is woven.
Gilkerson gets it right. If he says an attack took place on a Thursday with the wind in the east and the seas in turmoil, that's the way it was. And not only are the descriptions dead accurate, but so are the paintings and drawings: east wind, rough seas, sails drawing just so, and every detail of rigging, weapon and costume exactly correct. This isn't cobbled together romance with a Disney glaze, this is what it was, warts and all. But beautifully portrayed.
The book itself is handsomely produced, fine paper, excellent printing and picture reproduction. I bought several to give as Christmas presents.
Rating? Five stars. If I could I would award six.