Detailed illustrations showing different parts of privateering gear in pre-revolutionary America. Information on what ship life was like. Excellent resource

The naval war of the American Revolution was fought not by the miniscule navy, but by 1000-2000 privately bankrolled warships. The ships hunted British ships to be seized and resold for the cause, while driving up English insurance rates and making the war more costly. Crewmen had a chance at great riches in one voyage, or internment on a Royal prison ship where more people died than there were combat deaths throughout the war years. This well-illustrated book explores the world of privateers. Their ships, crews, food, weapons, and more. Aimed at young adults, even older readers will find some passages educational. ( )

Written like actual handwriting, with plentiful illustrations, this is a excellent and lively exploration of American Privateers during the Revolution. Wilbur's prose and illustrations are incredibly detailed. This is an excellent book for students and amateur academics wishing to explore this particular segment of Revolutionary War history. I plan to buy more in this series. ( )