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The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate
History remembers the infamous Black Beard as one of the greatest, most successful pirates who ever lived-a paragon of pirates. But what if history got it wrong? When Black Beard arrived in North Carolina in 1718, he commanded one of the most powerful pirate fleets in history- 400 men aboard four ships, including his prized, cannon-studded flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge. But in a stunning reversal of fortunes, everything suddenly went wrong. Six months later, when Black Beard was cornered and killed at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, he was in the comp-any of just 20 men and the only treasure found in his possession was some sugar, cocoa, cotton and a mysterious letter. What happened during Black Beard's last days that precipitated his demise? Who, truly, was Edward Teach, aka Black Beard, and from whence did he come? What was his true name? And what happened to his treasure? For more than 35 years, researcher, author and filmmaker, Kevin Duffus has followed the wake of the pirate captain's journey through history. Along the way, Duffus observed that many historical accounts describing the pirate's last days-the six months following the wreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge at Beaufort Inlet-were inaccurate, insufficiently researched, and, as it turned out, not nearly as interesting as the truth.
- GenresNonfictionPiratesHistory
239 pages, Hardback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2023
The most well researched book you’ll find about Black Beard. Unlike previous histories and biographies, Kevin Duffus uses hardcore research of deeds, wills, genealogies and much more to support his theory. This is my go to for information about Blackbeard
October 7, 2025
The true Black Beard
When reading about pirates, It's so hard to sort fact from fiction, especially where the pirate Blackbeard is concerned. In my opinion, this book is the premier authority on the man Edward Black Beard!
When reading about pirates, It's so hard to sort fact from fiction, especially where the pirate Blackbeard is concerned. In my opinion, this book is the premier authority on the man Edward Black Beard!
April 13, 2015
Did you know Blackbeard probably wasn't much more than 30-years-old when he died in his final battle with Lt. Maynard? Of course not. All of the popular illustrations we see of the famous sea rogue make him look as though he was well into his 50s and had long burning fuses in his black beard.
I own the first and fourth editions of this book, and would buy any new editions as they are released because the information uncovered by the author is so riveting and well-researched.
A lot of people don't like their long-cherished notions about Blackbeard to be questioned, but then again, a lot of people also haven't examined the evidence like Kevin Duffus has done in "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate."
Unfortunately, virtually every book that exists about the notorious sea rogue relies upon one source—"A General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates" by Captain Charles Johnson (pseudonym), more popularly known as "A General History of the Pyrates." A lot of people long attributed "A General History" to Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe, assuming he was writing under the pseudonym of Capt. Johnson. In reality, contemporary research points to the real author as one Nathaniel Mist, a fervent Jacobite. For goodness' sake, "A General History of Pirates" was actually registered in Mist's name at Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
The issue of Jacobites and Pirates could fill up a volume all on its own, but for people to understand how unreliable "A General History" is as a reference books on the pirates of the Golden Age, they must at least do some cursory research on the subject. Then, they might realize it's worthwhile to consider the ACTUAL source documents, genealogical, and colonial records, which strongly suggest that not only did Blackbeard have deep roots in eastern North Carolina, but that many of his men who were said to have been hanged, in fact, were not and lived out the rest of their days as neighbors in Bath, North Carolina. This can be easily demonstrated by a brief examination of old Bath County (later Beaufort County) record books.
Buy the book and read it through. It will be well worth your time, and an eye-opener for sure.
I own the first and fourth editions of this book, and would buy any new editions as they are released because the information uncovered by the author is so riveting and well-researched.
A lot of people don't like their long-cherished notions about Blackbeard to be questioned, but then again, a lot of people also haven't examined the evidence like Kevin Duffus has done in "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate."
Unfortunately, virtually every book that exists about the notorious sea rogue relies upon one source—"A General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates" by Captain Charles Johnson (pseudonym), more popularly known as "A General History of the Pyrates." A lot of people long attributed "A General History" to Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe, assuming he was writing under the pseudonym of Capt. Johnson. In reality, contemporary research points to the real author as one Nathaniel Mist, a fervent Jacobite. For goodness' sake, "A General History of Pirates" was actually registered in Mist's name at Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
The issue of Jacobites and Pirates could fill up a volume all on its own, but for people to understand how unreliable "A General History" is as a reference books on the pirates of the Golden Age, they must at least do some cursory research on the subject. Then, they might realize it's worthwhile to consider the ACTUAL source documents, genealogical, and colonial records, which strongly suggest that not only did Blackbeard have deep roots in eastern North Carolina, but that many of his men who were said to have been hanged, in fact, were not and lived out the rest of their days as neighbors in Bath, North Carolina. This can be easily demonstrated by a brief examination of old Bath County (later Beaufort County) record books.
Buy the book and read it through. It will be well worth your time, and an eye-opener for sure.
July 30, 2014
I got the chance to hear the author explain his theory almost by accident a few years ago. We saw that the NC Transportation Museum was having an event focused on Blackbeard. We took the kids and prepared for a day of fun with a piratical theme. We were a little surprised to learn that the event was a book talk and that it wasn't really kid focused. Despite our error, we stayed any way and listened to Kevin Duffus discuss his theory. The kids made it through most of the presentation, and I was convinced I need to read the book by the time we left the event. Unfortunately, it took me several years to come across it, remember it, and convince myself to buy it. I'm glad I did!
This book was a very entertaining depiction of the author's theory of Blackbeard's origins and his exploits. The theory could truly be summed up in a few pages, but where's the fun in that? The author takes you through his journey in researching Blackbeard, and to add some extra entertainment along the way, the author jumps in and out of story telling mode, giving his image of how events transpired and what conversations may have taken place. I thought the book was extremely well written and easy to read.
For anyone with an interest it colonial American history, or just someone who enjoys pirate tales, this is a great book.
This book was a very entertaining depiction of the author's theory of Blackbeard's origins and his exploits. The theory could truly be summed up in a few pages, but where's the fun in that? The author takes you through his journey in researching Blackbeard, and to add some extra entertainment along the way, the author jumps in and out of story telling mode, giving his image of how events transpired and what conversations may have taken place. I thought the book was extremely well written and easy to read.
For anyone with an interest it colonial American history, or just someone who enjoys pirate tales, this is a great book.
August 27, 2015
This is a great book, by far the most scholarly work on the legendary Blackbeard. A must-read for any serious student of the Golden Age of Piracy. With his acute research, Duffus gets to the heart of both the man and the myth. An exceptional volume with much new research on Caesar the slave and the other Africans taken from the French slave ship that would go on to become Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's illustrious flagship. A seminal work from an exceptional historical sleuth and author.
April 19, 2015
A fascinating, easy to read, and thoroughly researched history of Blackbeard the pirate. The author did painstaking research into Blackbeard's identity and journeys and located new and otherwise ignored information to produce a much more believable history of Blackbeard than what is universally known.
May 30, 2011
I was not interested in reading this but Mr. Duffus gracious left this to read and so I felt that I should. I am so glad that I did. It was researched wonderfully and written with feeling and passion for his subject. Well done!
October 6, 2011
Clear historical account of Blackbeard with little speculation added. Beautiful graphics that help give context to the life and times of Mr. Teach. Even delves into the templar myth of the Blackbeard cup.
March 21, 2013
Through.
Realistic.
Interesting genealogical histories.
Realistic.
Interesting genealogical histories.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews