Pirates of the Atlantic: Robbery, Murder and Mayhem off the Canadian Coast

Conlin explains how piracy came to Atlantic Canada from rival European empires who sought to conquer and settle North America. Through the "Golden Age" of piracy, bands of raiders included Peter Easton, the "King of Pirates," the notorious Bartholomew Roberts and the vicious Ned Low, who raided the rich fishing grounds and secure harbours of Newfoundland for their ample supplies, manpower and ships. After a period of time in the 17th century when piracy was rare and defences were weakened, pockets of piracy sprung up in China and the Caribbean, as well as from shipboard mutinies. Rich trade routes, poverty, political strife, corrupt governments and weak navies allowed for pirates "to declare war on the world." Their violence blossomed again in the late 20th century, and continues today.