Pirate: Eyewitness Books    by Richard Platt Order:  USA  Can DK Publishing, 2007 (2007) Hardcover, CD Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Kerrily Sapet Pirates sailed the seas of ancient Greece, the Caribbean, the unknown waters of the New World and beyond. These sea robbers were the stuff of legend. Pirate tales continue to thrill - in literature, film, and theater. Both children and adults love swashbuckling stories of treasure maps and life at sea sailing under the Jolly Roger. But what was life really like aboard a pirate ship? Author Richard Platt uncovers the truths behind the stories of buccaneers in the book Pirate. Platt begins his book with descriptions of ancient pirates - from Viking warriors to Queen Elizabeth's privateers, who explored the coasts of the New World and defeated the Spanish Armada. Early chapters illustrate differences between pirates who sailed the China Seas, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and along the Barbary Coast. Platt also covers such subjects as women pirates, navigation and maps, weapons, treasure, and the Jolly Roger. Readers discover what pirate life was like on land and at sea, what pirates wore, and what they ate. Platt's descriptions will fascinate readers of all ages. Despite the amount of information, this is hardly a history textbook. The twenty-nine short sections each begin with a few paragraphs of introduction. Illustrations, interesting explanations, and details dot the pages. Beautiful color photographs and pictures of authentic historical items - from 17th century French treasure chests to swords to glittering jewels - make the book fun to pore over. Platt provides a window into the world of pirates, showing how they flourished for 5,000 years until the age of the buccaneers who terrorized the seas came to an end in the 19th century. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews