Short Synopsis
In the first-ever Seven Seas history of the world's female buccaneers, Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas tells the story of women, both real and legendary, who through the ages sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts.

Full Synopsis
In the first-ever Seven Seas history of the world's female buccaneers, Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas tells the story of women, both real and legendary, who through the ages sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts. These women came from all walks of life but had one thing in common: a desire for freedom. History has largely ignored these female swashbucklers, until now. Here are their stories, from ancient Norse princess Alfhild and warrior Rusla to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs; from Grace O'Malley, who terrorized shipping operations around the British Isles during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; to Cheng I Sao, who commanded a fleet of four hundred ships off China in the early nineteenth century.

Author Laura Sook Duncombe also looks beyond the stories to the storytellers and mythmakers. What biases and agendas motivated them? What did they leave out? Pirate Women explores why and how these stories are told and passed down, and how history changes depending on who is recording it. It's the most comprehensive overview of women pirates in one volume and chock-full of swashbuckling adventures that pull these unique women from the shadows into the spotlight that they deserve.

"The role of women in pirate communities and crews has been heretofore obscure but is now fully and comprehensively revealed in a deftly written and impressively organized and presented volume that will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to both community and academic library collections." ---Midwest Book Review

"[Hillary Huber's] straightforward, even-keeled style is perfectly suited to this discussion of notable and obscure figures such as pirate queen Grace O'Malley, the swashbuckling duo Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and the indomitable Cheng I Sao." ---AudioFile

"Duncombe’s well-researched account will appeal to history and women’s studies aficionados, lovers of myth and lore, and all interested in viewing the past through a new lens." ---Booklist

“Thoroughly researched and enthrallingly written, Duncombe shows love and mastery of the subject in equal measure.” ---Jason Porath, author of Rejected Princesses: Tales of History’s Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics