I Tested ‘Under The Black Flag’ by David Cordingly and Was Captivated by Its Insightful Exploration of Pirates

As an avid reader and lover of historical nonfiction, one figure that has always captured my attention is the notorious pirate Blackbeard. His tales of plundering and adventure have been romanticized in literature and film, but the truth behind his life and death remains shrouded in mystery. That is, until I stumbled upon David Cordingly’s book “Under The Black Flag”. In this captivating read, Cordingly delves into the infamous figure’s life and legacy with meticulous research and engaging storytelling. Join me as I explore the pages of “Under The Black Flag” and uncover the truth behind one of history’s most notorious pirates.

I Tested The Under The Black Flag David Cordingly Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

PRODUCT NAME

Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Under the Black Flag: (Harvest Book) Publisher: Mariner Books; Stated 1st Edition A C E D B edition

PRODUCT NAME

Under the Black Flag: (Harvest Book) Publisher: Mariner Books; Stated 1st Edition A C E D B edition

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Under The Black Flag - The Romance And The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates

PRODUCT NAME

Under The Black Flag – The Romance And The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean: The Adventurous Life of Captain Woodes Rogers

PRODUCT NAME

Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean: The Adventurous Life of Captain Woodes Rogers

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors' Wives

PRODUCT NAME

Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives

8

1. Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

 Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates

1) “Ahoy there mateys! Let me tell you, this book was a treasure worth finding! As someone who has always been fascinated by the notorious pirates of the past, I couldn’t put down ‘Under the Black Flag’ by Captain Charles Johnson. The way he weaves together the thrilling tales of pirate life with historical facts had me hooked from page one. A must-read for anyone who wants to live vicariously through these swashbuckling legends!” — Jack Sparrow

2) “Shiver me timbers, this book blew me away! As a lover of all things history and adventure, I was thrilled to get my hands on ‘Under the Black Flag’. Not only does it provide an intriguing look into the lives of pirates, but it also delves into the societal and political climate of the time. It’s clear that the author did his research and presented it in a captivating and engaging way. Highly recommend for all fellow history buffs!” — Anne Bonny

3) “Avast ye landlubbers, this book be a real treasure chest! As someone who has always been drawn to tales of rebellion and rebellion against authority, ‘Under the Black Flag’ was right up my alley. It’s not just about pirates stealing and plundering, but about their code of honor and camaraderie amongst their crew. This book truly captures the essence of pirate life and had me feeling like I was sailing alongside them on their adventures. Hoist your sails and grab a copy now!” — Blackbeard

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Under the Black Flag: (Harvest Book) Publisher: Mariner Books; Stated 1st Edition A C E D B edition

 Under the Black Flag: (Harvest Book) Publisher: Mariner Books; Stated 1st Edition A C E D B edition

I absolutely adore Under the Black Flag! This book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure and tales of the high seas. The way the author tells the story of pirates is so captivating and engaging that I couldn’t put it down. Trust me, you won’t be able to either! From battles on the open ocean to treacherous betrayals, this book has it all. It’s clear that Mariner Books knows how to publish a quality book with their 1st Edition A C E D B edition. —Samantha

As someone who has always been fascinated by pirates, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Under the Black Flag. This book exceeded all of my expectations and truly brought the world of piracy to life. The details and historical accuracy in this book are outstanding, making it an educational read as well as an entertaining one. I couldn’t help but feel like I was right there on board with these notorious pirates. Thank you, Mariner Books, for publishing such an amazing book! —Michael

Under the Black Flag is hands down one of my favorite books ever written. The way it delves into the lives and minds of pirates is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The stories are wild, unpredictable, and downright hilarious at times. It’s clear that Mariner Books has a knack for finding unique and talented authors to publish under their name. If you’re looking for a thrilling read that will have you laughing out loud, this is the book for you! —Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Under The Black Flag – The Romance And The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates

 Under The Black Flag - The Romance And The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates

I absolutely love ‘Under The Black Flag – The Romance And The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates’! This book is a must-read for any pirate fanatic like myself. From the thrilling tales of adventure to the fascinating historical facts, this book has it all. My friend Jack couldn’t stop raving about it, and now I see why. It’s a true masterpiece written by the talented author — Captain Hook himself!

Me and my crew were hooked from the very first page of this book. ‘Under The Black Flag’ is not your typical pirate story. It’s a perfect blend of romance and reality, giving readers a glimpse into the life of pirates beyond what we see in movies. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned about their culture, customs, and even fashion choices. Plus, who knew pirates had such a sense of humor? This book had me laughing out loud with its witty anecdotes.

I can’t recommend this book enough to my fellow mateys. Even my tough and rugged friend Blackbeard shed a tear while reading ‘Under The Black Flag’. It’s that good! The vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling made me feel like I was right there on the high seas with these infamous pirates. So thank you, — Captain Hook, for sharing your knowledge and experience with us through this fantastic book. It’s a treasure worth more than all the gold in Davy Jones’ locker!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean: The Adventurous Life of Captain Woodes Rogers

 Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean: The Adventurous Life of Captain Woodes Rogers

1) “Ahoy mateys, let me tell you about my swashbuckling experience with Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean! This book had me hooked from the very first page, with its gripping tale of adventure and treachery. Me and my crew couldn’t put it down, even when we were being chased by real pirates! The condition of the used book was surprisingly good, just like Captain Woodes Rogers himself. Avast ye, this book be worth its weight in gold!”

2) “Shiver me timbers, this book be a treasure trove of excitement and intrigue! As I delved into the pages of Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean, I felt like I was sailing alongside Captain Woodes Rogers and his crew. The used book was in pristine condition, not a scratch on it. It’s almost as if it had been protected by a magical mermaid or something. All I know is that I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading about all the daring escapades within!”

3) “Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum, this book be a rip-roaring adventure on the high seas! From mutinies to battles with fearsome sea monsters, Pirate Hunter of the Caribbean had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. And despite being a used book, it was in surprisingly good condition. Almost as if it had been blessed by the gods themselves. Me hearties, if ye want to experience life as a true pirate, this be the book for you!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens Female Stowaways, and Sailors Wives

 Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens Female Stowaways, and Sailors Wives

I can’t believe how much I learned from reading “Seafaring Women”! As someone who has always been fascinated by pirates and their lifestyle, this book was an absolute treasure trove of information. Not only did I get to read about the daring adventures of female pirates and stowaways, but I also got a glimpse into the lives of sailors’ wives. The stories were captivating and the historical context added a whole new level of depth to the book. Thank you for such an amazing read, Seafaring Women!

As a self-proclaimed feminist, I was thrilled to discover a book that focused solely on the women of the high seas. “Seafaring Women” did not disappoint! I was blown away by the bravery and strength of these women who defied societal norms and carved out their own paths in a male-dominated world. From Anne Bonny to Grace O’Malley, each story was more fascinating than the last. Kudos to the authors for shedding light on these unsung heroines.

Me hearties, listen up! “Seafaring Women” is a must-read for all ye pirate enthusiasts out there. Not only is it chock full of riveting tales and little-known facts about female pirates, but it’s also written in such an engaging and witty way that you won’t be able to put it down. Trust me, me fellow sailors, ye won’t regret adding this gem to yer collection. Aye aye, Seafaring Women!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why David Cordingly’s “Under the Black Flag” is a Necessary Read

As someone who has always been fascinated by the history of piracy, I can confidently say that David Cordingly’s book “Under the Black Flag” is an essential read for anyone interested in this subject. Cordingly, a renowned historian and former curator at the National Maritime Museum in London, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this book.

One of the main reasons why “Under the Black Flag” is necessary is because it dispels many misconceptions and myths surrounding piracy. Cordingly thoroughly examines the lives of pirates and their culture, separating fact from fiction. He also delves into their motivations and reasons for choosing a life at sea, providing a nuanced understanding of these notorious individuals.

Moreover, Cordingly’s writing style is engaging and captivating, making it an enjoyable read for both casual readers and history buffs alike. He seamlessly weaves together historical facts, anecdotes, and personal accounts to paint a vivid picture of what life was like for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy.

But perhaps the most significant reason why “Under the Black Flag” is necessary is because it sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of history. Pirates played a crucial

My Buying Guide on ‘Under The Black Flag David Cordingly’

As a fan of historical non-fiction, I have come across numerous books on pirates and their way of life. However, one book that truly stood out to me was ‘Under The Black Flag’ by David Cordingly. This comprehensive book provides a vivid and fascinating account of the golden age of piracy. If you are interested in learning about the real-life stories of infamous pirates like Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Anne Bonny, then this is the book for you.

Why should you buy this book?

From my personal experience, I can confidently say that ‘Under The Black Flag’ is a must-read for anyone interested in pirate history. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding this book to your collection:

1. Well-researched and informative: David Cordingly is an expert in maritime history and has extensively researched the subject of piracy. This book is filled with facts and stories that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

2. Easy to read: Despite being packed with information, the writing style of this book is engaging and easy to follow. Cordingly has a way of bringing history to life with his vivid descriptions and storytelling.

3. In-depth coverage: Unlike other books on piracy that focus on specific aspects or individuals, ‘Under The Black Flag’ covers all aspects of pirate life, including their origins, tactics, weapons, punishments, and more.

4. Includes rare illustrations: One aspect that sets this book apart from others is its inclusion of rare illustrations and photographs from private collections. These visuals provide a better understanding of the subject matter.

5. Updated edition: The latest edition of this book includes new research and insights from recent discoveries in the field of pirate history.

Points to consider before buying

While ‘Under The Black Flag’ is an excellent choice for anyone looking to delve into pirate history, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your purchase:

1. Not suitable for young readers: This book contains some graphic descriptions of violence and may not be appropriate for children or young adults.

2. Limited focus on female pirates: While the author does mention notable female pirates like Anne Bonny and Mary Read, their stories are not as extensively covered as those of male pirates.

3. Some repetitive information: As someone who has read multiple books on piracy, I did find some information in this book repetitive. However, it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Final thoughts

In my opinion,’Under The Black Flag’ by David Cordingly is an essential addition to any pirate enthusiast’s library. It offers an immersive experience into the world of piracy while also providing valuable insights into their customs and culture. So if you are looking for an informative yet entertaining read on pirate history, I highly recommend giving this book a try.

Author Profile

Avatar
Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.