Illustrated with a wide array of engaging artwork spanning hundreds of years in their creation, twelve biographical poems tell the story, both the reality and the myth, of the infamous Pirate King Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard.  The sophisticated language is reminiscent of the vocabulary and phrasing of centuries gone by.

“No seaman soon forgot the sneer

For which he was well known –

Or cannon fuses lit under

His hat! His visage shown

So frightful that it chilled his foe

Straight to the marrowbone.”

To define the historical period and provide additional details on Blackbeard’s legendary exploits, there is an author’s note at the end plus significant footnoting for each poem.

Curricular connection:  Comparative poetry

Literary Device:  Sophisticated language 

Artwork:  Paintings from various artists –multiple media

Subjects:  Pirates 

Age Level Recommendation:  Middle School (and up)

Categories:  Poetry; Non-fiction 975.5 

Rating: 5Q/4P

AAS 5-3-08