2008 Woodie Awards
Swashbuckling account of uncommon pirates
Book Review
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Life & Style
At times, it can appear as if some historical accounts are simply retold and rehashed from a different angle in order for an author to publish another book. This is not the case with historian and author Stephen Turnbull, who has the knack of discovering unique and unusual aspects of history and providing readers with something a little outside of the norm. "Pirate of the Far East," a part of the Warrior series published by Osprey, is such a book.
While religious fervor was the cause of many wars in Europe and some parts of Arabia, Asian trading and warring was a continual circle between Japan, Korea and China. Therefore, opportunities for the pirates were great for fighting and gaining valuable cargo.
The wars during this period of history have been well-documented, but little has been written about the pirates that were an integral part of this region of the world for centuries. Turnbull takes readers on a journey through the centuries of the Asian pirate. Using a variety of photographs, maps and color plates illustrated by Richard Hook, readers are immersed into the exciting, yet dangerous life of the pirate. Weapons, armor and tactics are described in great detail, but remain easy to read.
While religious fervor was the cause of many wars in Europe and some parts of Arabia, Asian trading and warring was a continual circle between Japan, Korea and China. Therefore, opportunities for the pirates were great for fighting and gaining valuable cargo.
The wars during this period of history have been well-documented, but little has been written about the pirates that were an integral part of this region of the world for centuries. Turnbull takes readers on a journey through the centuries of the Asian pirate. Using a variety of photographs, maps and color plates illustrated by Richard Hook, readers are immersed into the exciting, yet dangerous life of the pirate. Weapons, armor and tactics are described in great detail, but remain easy to read.
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