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Pirate Women

The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas

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Pirate Women

Written by: Laura Sook Duncombe
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
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In the first-ever 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 400 ships off China in the early 19th 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.

©2017 Laura Sook Duncombe (P)2017 Tantor Engineering Gender Studies Royalty Social Sciences Women World Adventure Pirate United Kingdom Imperialism Middle Ages British Empire
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What the critics say

"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)
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There is a small chance that I will continue trying to listen to this but it’s a very slim chance. The tone of the narrator is unbearable, she has this almost sarcastic style. It’s unengaging, whatever it is. It starts off with Greece… as if piracy started there? The lack of context and random information about women’s status in Greek society just left me feel like I was sitting around waiting for the point. Disappointing purchase.

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