Scoundrels, Villains, & Knaves: Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Popular Culture

by Foxx Nolte, Tom Morris (foreword)

From the silver screen to the famous ride at Disneyland and beyond, pirates are everywhere. They appear on television, operate miniature golf courses, and even promote fast food. But have you ever wondered how a relatively small group of criminals from a short period of history came to invade popular culture? Who were pirates, and where do we get our ideas about them?

Rigorously examining the phenomenon through the lens of one of its central texts - the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions - Foxx Nolte explores the murky origins and surprising connections of the western world's favorite antiheroes. Each version of the classic attraction is fully analyzed, but the book goes beyond the confines of the theme parks to consider where these myths came from and what they say about us. They are all here, from Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks to Long John Silver, Captain Jack Sparrow, and a band of six plucky kids from Oregon. It's a treasure hunt through three hundred years of popular culture and you'll never look at talking parrots and buried treasure maps the same way again.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

346 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2024

Reviews

[Glenn Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed everything that Foxx Nolte has written, and this book is no exception. I think that this may be the best book that she has written. I've been on the Florida PotC countless times, and I've experienced the Disneyland PotC a handful of times, so I am familiar with both. But, I was really unaware of the other PotC attractions around the world, and Foxx did an incredible job describing them in detail. Also, the coverage of the changes made to each over the years is well documented with not only what changed, but why it changed. I enjoyed the history of Pirate mythology and the impact of the films on the ride as well. Very well written book, and I learned a ton, as usual with Foxx's writings. Looking forward to whatever is coming next!

[Sean Patrick Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive historical summary of PotC from someone who clearly loves the attractions.

Probably should've been meaner about the crap Florida version though.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. As a huge fan of the attraction, I felt like the detailed walkthrough was the best part. Could have done without the Pirates history.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. I’m so glad this book exists in the world. Yo ho yo ho, a pirate’s life for me 🎶🏴‍☠️

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff. Goes on the relatively-short pile of required reading for themed-entertainment enthusiasts