Publisher: 1st pub. 1697, this ed. By Hummingbird Press, 1998 £ 19.95
William Dampier was no ordinary buccaneer. He had a deep interest in the people, plants, animals and soil of the places he visited (ostensibly to plunder), and he kept a detailed journal of what he did and saw. He chose this way of life as a means of exploring.
He travelled round the world during the years 1679 to 1691, serving in several different ships and changing ship as it suited him. Buccaneers, being volunteers, could change ship and have a say in their operations. On his return, his journal was published in 1697.
This book is an edited re-issue of the journal with some omissions to avoid repetition. It gives an unparalleled account of the buccaneer's way of life and of the places Dampier visited. Many of the plants and animals he saw were then new to science. It is one of the classics in our maritime history; this edition is nicely presented with many of the original prints and an informative introduction by Mark Beken. I found the book completely absorbing and strongly recommend it. I congratulate and thank the publishers for making it available. - JFA
Page prepared 7June 1999