Ask any passer-by to name a famous pirate and they might come up with Kidd (who arguably wasn't a pirate at all), Blackbeard, Morgan, the fictional Long John Silver - but Bartholomew Roberts? How come so few have heard of the most successful sea robber of all time, who is said to have captured some 400 ships in a career which lasted from 1718 to 1722.
Roberts was working as third mate on a slaver which was taken by fellow Welshman Howell Davis. Transferring to the pirate's crew he quickly won trust and responsibility, and was elected to command when Davis was killed. A combination of skill and luck brought him astonishing results, but also notoriety that made it impossible for him to retire from the life he had chosen. A habit of dressing for battle in bright red ensured that, when finally cornered by HMS Swallow, he was a very prominent target.
The book is well researched and covers parts of Davis' career as well as Roberts'. A full chapter is given to Captain Snelgrave's account of his captivity under Howell Davis. There are some interesting illustrations but the writing can be a tad bitty and makes too much use of italics. There is a list of books consulted, but no index, notes or primary sources. It still fills an important gap.