Marcus Rediker is a distinguished historian who delves into the depths of Atlantic history. His work uncovers the lives of those on the margins of society, such as sailors and the enslaved. Rediker utilizes his extensive knowledge to bring these often-forgotten stories to life, highlighting their enduring impact on the world today. His writing serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complex interconnectedness of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Focusing on the 'Golden Age' of Atlantic piracy from 1716 to 1726, this book delves into the notorious figures who shaped contemporary perceptions of pirates. It examines their lives and actions, revealing the historical context behind the romanticized images that persist today. Through vivid storytelling, the narrative sheds light on the complexities of piracy and the societal factors that contributed to this captivating era.
The book delves into the sub-culture and resistance of eighteenth-century pirates through the stories of diverse characters. It features John Gwin, an African American fugitive seeking freedom; Ruben Dekker, a common seaman from Amsterdam; and Mark/Mary Reed, an American woman who disguised herself as a man to join the crew. Their narratives highlight the complexities of identity, survival, and rebellion against societal norms during a tumultuous era.
The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist with a New Preface
Set in the eighteenth century, this narrative follows a Quaker dwarf who passionately opposes slavery and envisions a more compassionate society. Through his unique perspective, the story explores themes of social justice, resilience, and the fight against oppression, highlighting the impact one individual can have in challenging societal norms and advocating for a more equitable world.
The extraordinary story of one of the first British men to oppose slavery
This maritime history "from below" exposes the history-making power of common sailors, slaves, pirates, and other outlaws at sea in the era of the tall ship. In Outlaws of the Atlantic, award-winning historian Marcus Rediker turns maritime history upside down. He explores the dramatic world of maritime adventure, not from the perspective of admirals, merchants, and nation-states but from the viewpoint of commoners—sailors, slaves, indentured servants, pirates, and other outlaws from the late seventeenth to the early nineteenth century. Bringing together their seafaring experiences for the first time, Outlaws of the Atlantic is an unexpected and compelling peoples’ history of the “age of sail.” With his signature bottom-up approach and insight, Rediker reveals how the “motley”—that is, multiethnic—crews were a driving force behind the American Revolution; that pirates, enslaved Africans, and other outlaws worked together to subvert capitalism; and that, in the era of the tall ship, outlaws challenged authority from below deck. By bringing these marginal seafaring characters into the limelight, Rediker shows how maritime actors have shaped history that many have long regarded as national and landed. And by casting these rebels by sea as cosmopolitan workers of the world, he reminds us that to understand the rise of capitalism, globalization, and the formation of race and class, we must look to the sea.
A brilliant reanalysis of a the slave mutiny that changed the world and became a crucial moment in the abolition of slavery, by the world's foremost expert on Atlantic history.
The book has received high praise for its exceptional quality and depth, as noted by Adam Hochschild in The New York Times Book Review. It offers a masterful exploration of its themes, likely providing readers with insightful perspectives and a compelling narrative. The acclaim suggests a well-crafted work that stands out for its literary merit.
The human drama of the slave trade told from a new perspective, from the decks of the slave ship
Marcus Rediker presents a vivid social history of Atlantic piracy, focusing on its 'golden age' from 1716 to 1726 and emphasizing how common seamen who turned pirate built for themselves a multicultural, democratic and egalitarian society.