The Sea Rover’s Practice: Pirate Tactics and Techniques, 1630-1730 by Benerson Little is one of those books that has been on my wish list for a very long time. As soon as I heard about it, I knew that I just had to buy and read it. Little, (a former NAVY SEAL) doesn’t disappoint.
From sailing tactics, cutting out operations, to how small guerilla groups (Bands of Pirates) operate from ship-to-ship, shore-to-ship, and on shore.
This book immediately became one of my absolute favorites. It is a practical step by step review of the tactics and techniques that pirates would use to operate against merchant vessels, towns, and even the occasional military vessel. Reading thru the book is like reading a manual on guerilla warfare in the nautical realm.
The real benefit of reading the book is having Little’s firsthand experience as an “operator” with knowledge of what actually works and doesn’t work in the field.
As someone that is interested in both nautical history, and absolutely gonzo for all things pirate, this book is a treasure trove of information. I highly recommend it to everyone.
