British Privateering Enterprise in the Eighteenth Century

by David J. Starkey

Overview

An important part of eighteenth-century maritime conflict involved the destruction of enemy commerce and the protection of home trade. In performing these tasks, state navies were augmented by privateers, vessels owned, equipped and manned by private individuals authorised by their governments to attack and seize the enemy's seabourne property. For their reward, the investors and seafarers engaged in privateering ventures shared in the proceeds of any ships and goods taken and condemned as lawful prize. Privateering therefore represented a business opportunity to the maritime community, a chance to acquire instant wealth at the enemy's expense; at the same time, it appeared as a cheap convenient means by which the state might supplement its naval strength. In this important analysis David J. Starkey draws upon a wealth of documentary evidence to throw fresh light upon the character, scale and significance of the British privateering business.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780859893121
Publisher:	Liverpool University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1990
Series:	Exeter Maritime Studies LUP , #4
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 6.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

David J Starkey is Director of the Maritime Historical Studies Centre at the University of Hull.

Editorial Reviews

" ... an excellently researched and written guide to eighteenth-century British privateering which sets new standards for academic achievement."—The American Neptune

"The excellence of this book lies in the research that has gone into it, its orderly structure and its readability. Most of all it opens the way for even more detailed work to be undertaken at national, regional and local levels. We are indeed deeply indebted to Dave Starkey."—The Northern Mariner

"A first class work of original scholarship and a readable account of a dramatic chapter in nautical history."—Lloyd's List

From the Publisher

The excellence of this book lies in the research that has gone into it, its orderly stucture and its readability. Most of all it opens the way for even more detailed work to be undertaken at national, regional and local levels. We are indeed deeply indebted to Dave Starkey.” –The Northern Mariner

The Northern Mariner

...an excellently researched and written guide to eighteenth-century British privateering which sets new standards for academic achievement.” –The American Neptune

The American Neptune

A first class work of original scholarship and a readable account of a dramatic chapter in nautical history.” –Lloyd’s List

Lloyd's List