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DK Eyewitness Books
Pirate
Here is a spectacular and informative guide to the dangerous and adventurous life of piracy, privateering, and buccaneering.
Superb, full-color photographs of weapons, ships, flags, maps, and treasure offer a unique and revealing view of pirate life on the high seas.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
9 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Richard Platt
289 books26 followers(1953–)
Richard Platt is the author of more than sixty informative books for young readers, and he also writes for innovative multimedia projects. Some of his most popular works have been collaborations with illustrator Stephen Biesty on the "Cross-Sections" series. After a failed attempt to forge a career as a photographer, Platt discovered that he had a knack for writing. "I started writing about photography: first magazine articles, then books," he explained on the Walker Books Web site. "I got a job editing children's books, then went on to write them."
In the 1990s, Platt teamed up with popular juvenile illustrator Biesty for several books, beginning with Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections Book, published in 1992. The following year, a second volume in the series, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War, proved equally interesting for late-elementary-age readers, especially those enchanted by seventeenth-century battleships. Alongside Biesty's cutaway illustrations, Platt provides explanatory text that indicates the purpose and activities in each section of the ship. The hardships of life aboard such vessels for their often 800-member crews are not overlooked, either, and the drawings depict food rations crawling with maggots and a doctor's pail containing severed limbs. Ellen Mandel, writing for Booklist, asserted that Platt's "intriguing text" serves to make "this meticulously presented book a treasure of factual content and visual imagery."
For Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything, Platt provides informative paragraphs to accompany the illustrations for many everyday products, such as athletic shoes and compact discs. Much of the text revolves around the manufacturing process. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body is a lesson in human anatomy, with sections on each of the body's systems and several major organs; the digestive system alone takes up four pages. Platt has also worked with the illustrator on Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle and Stephen Biesty's Incredible Explosions.
Working with publisher Dorling Kindersley, Platt has authored several titles in their "Eyewitness" series, some of which have appeared in the United States under the Knopf/Borzoi imprint. Pirate details the world of corsairs, privateers, and crime on the high seas throughout history. A reviewer for Science Books and Films, Richard B. Woodbury, praised the work as "a veritable miniencyclopedia or minimuseum" and "a pleasure to look at." Spy chronicles the history of espionage and the decisive role intelligence-gathering triumphs have played in history. Of particular emphasis are the code-breaking endeavors by Allied intelligence networks during World War II. Shipwreck, also part of the "Eyewitness" series, investigates famous sea disasters and rescues. Like the other books in the popular series, Shipwreck is lavishly illustrated. Chris Stephenson, writing in School Librarian, called it "an excellent source of historical evidence and nautical information."
Platt has also written several books about inventions. His The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions, which appeared in 1994, won praise from reviewers for its comprehensiveness. Platt divides the development of technology throughout the ages into five sections, including agriculture, conquest, and communication. The timeline begins at 600,000 BCE, around the time humans likely began using fire, and includes predictions for innovations that may occur in the near future. Cathryn A. Camper, reviewing The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions for School Library Journal, praised Platt's skilled use of illustration and text, which the critic felt "teaches a sophisticated form of literacy similar to" that provided with multimedia learning tools—an area in which Platt already had a great deal of writing experience. "Readers will delight in the colorful pictures and the text, which gives just enough information to satisfy curiosity," opined Voice of Youth Advo
Richard Platt is the author of more than sixty informative books for young readers, and he also writes for innovative multimedia projects. Some of his most popular works have been collaborations with illustrator Stephen Biesty on the "Cross-Sections" series. After a failed attempt to forge a career as a photographer, Platt discovered that he had a knack for writing. "I started writing about photography: first magazine articles, then books," he explained on the Walker Books Web site. "I got a job editing children's books, then went on to write them."
In the 1990s, Platt teamed up with popular juvenile illustrator Biesty for several books, beginning with Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections Book, published in 1992. The following year, a second volume in the series, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War, proved equally interesting for late-elementary-age readers, especially those enchanted by seventeenth-century battleships. Alongside Biesty's cutaway illustrations, Platt provides explanatory text that indicates the purpose and activities in each section of the ship. The hardships of life aboard such vessels for their often 800-member crews are not overlooked, either, and the drawings depict food rations crawling with maggots and a doctor's pail containing severed limbs. Ellen Mandel, writing for Booklist, asserted that Platt's "intriguing text" serves to make "this meticulously presented book a treasure of factual content and visual imagery."
For Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything, Platt provides informative paragraphs to accompany the illustrations for many everyday products, such as athletic shoes and compact discs. Much of the text revolves around the manufacturing process. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body is a lesson in human anatomy, with sections on each of the body's systems and several major organs; the digestive system alone takes up four pages. Platt has also worked with the illustrator on Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle and Stephen Biesty's Incredible Explosions.
Working with publisher Dorling Kindersley, Platt has authored several titles in their "Eyewitness" series, some of which have appeared in the United States under the Knopf/Borzoi imprint. Pirate details the world of corsairs, privateers, and crime on the high seas throughout history. A reviewer for Science Books and Films, Richard B. Woodbury, praised the work as "a veritable miniencyclopedia or minimuseum" and "a pleasure to look at." Spy chronicles the history of espionage and the decisive role intelligence-gathering triumphs have played in history. Of particular emphasis are the code-breaking endeavors by Allied intelligence networks during World War II. Shipwreck, also part of the "Eyewitness" series, investigates famous sea disasters and rescues. Like the other books in the popular series, Shipwreck is lavishly illustrated. Chris Stephenson, writing in School Librarian, called it "an excellent source of historical evidence and nautical information."
Platt has also written several books about inventions. His The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions, which appeared in 1994, won praise from reviewers for its comprehensiveness. Platt divides the development of technology throughout the ages into five sections, including agriculture, conquest, and communication. The timeline begins at 600,000 BCE, around the time humans likely began using fire, and includes predictions for innovations that may occur in the near future. Cathryn A. Camper, reviewing The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions for School Library Journal, praised Platt's skilled use of illustration and text, which the critic felt "teaches a sophisticated form of literacy similar to" that provided with multimedia learning tools—an area in which Platt already had a great deal of writing experience. "Readers will delight in the colorful pictures and the text, which gives just enough information to satisfy curiosity," opined Voice of Youth Advo
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 22, 2022
An educational book with lots of pictures and aimed at a younger audience. It looks nice, but some of the text captions on the pictures are either repetitive or not very relevant. A nice book to read through but I'm sure there are much better books on pirates out there.
September 19, 2020
It Has very nice photos and a clear layout, good information, beautiful work of history book!
June 17, 2012
Pirates give scope to the lives of pirates. It links to history with the pirates of Ancient Greece section, and further links with pirates of the Roman world. There are also geographical links with a section on navigation and maps. The book details about the fates of prisoners that were captured by pirates and discover the wonderful treasures they accumulated. It further informs about the lives of pirates at sea on famous ships such as the Jolly Roger, and explains the limitations of their food and drinks supply.
It would be an ideal book for the topic of pirates with many ideas for cross curricular links.
Although the book may have particular appeal to boys, I am confident that girls would also enjoy and benefit from the knowledge it expels. This book was would be particularly enjoyed by children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
It would be an ideal book for the topic of pirates with many ideas for cross curricular links.
Although the book may have particular appeal to boys, I am confident that girls would also enjoy and benefit from the knowledge it expels. This book was would be particularly enjoyed by children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
November 15, 2025
I read this one as a kid, wowowow 🏴☠️ Still as intriguing as it was then!
February 12, 2012
I shared this book with a year 2 boy whilst on my alternative placement. He was totally enthralled by the information and pictures.
The book has many chapters detailing the lives of pirates. It has links to history with the pirates of ancient Greece section and further links with pirates of the Roman world. It also has links with Geography with a section on navigation and maps. Children can learn of the fates of prisoners that were captured by pirates and discover the amazing treasures they amassed. It details the lives of pirates at sea on famous ships such as the Jolly Roger and the limited food and drink that were available to them.
It would be an ideal book for the topic of pirates with many ideas for cross curricular links.
Although I was initially reading this book to one boy, more children came to listen to the book - demonstrtaing how appealing this book is to boys. I am sure that girls would also enjoy this book however my placement was in a single sex unit so am unable to comment. The children were engaged in the book and excited by the stories. This book was enjoyed by children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The book has many chapters detailing the lives of pirates. It has links to history with the pirates of ancient Greece section and further links with pirates of the Roman world. It also has links with Geography with a section on navigation and maps. Children can learn of the fates of prisoners that were captured by pirates and discover the amazing treasures they amassed. It details the lives of pirates at sea on famous ships such as the Jolly Roger and the limited food and drink that were available to them.
It would be an ideal book for the topic of pirates with many ideas for cross curricular links.
Although I was initially reading this book to one boy, more children came to listen to the book - demonstrtaing how appealing this book is to boys. I am sure that girls would also enjoy this book however my placement was in a single sex unit so am unable to comment. The children were engaged in the book and excited by the stories. This book was enjoyed by children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
February 14, 2016
OK I know these are supposed to be kid books but they are awesome! Great pictures and just enough text to make you want to learn more. Great choices for a beginning history reader or to start an older reader out in a new area. Every time I pick one of these up and read it I learn new things. Highly Recommended
November 3, 2019
I think eyewitness books like this one are a good way to get children excited about non-fiction texts, but also to encourage those with particular interests to read. Eyewitness books can, however, be a bit of an information dump - sort of like the children's book version of wikepedia.
February 20, 2015
Lots of interesting facts and pictures!
April 2, 2021
DK (Dorling Kindersley) Publishing is my favorite brand of book, bar none. They have a large group of 'Eyewitness' books that seem to be printed for children, but adults love them too. Today, I want to talk about an Eyewitness book about pirates by Richard Platt. This book has a glossary (meanings of words), how to find out more (online or places to visit), plus unsolved pirate mysteries. This copy includes a clip-art CD.
The CD includes hundreds of images for future use. Here's an example (randomly chosen): 'The English captain Edward Low had a reputation as one of the 18th century's cruelest pirates. He was said to have once made a victim eat his own ears.' This description is accompanied by an image of Edward Low. This book is meant for children ages 8 to 12. I can see boys trolling through the book and clip art looking for gruesome images (including how pirates were punished) and stories.
This book provides extraordinarily clear photos of coins, jewels, powder horns, typical clothing, maps, ships, and wild stories to enchant anyone. Pirates in different parts of the world looked and did things differently. This book shows what was important to each group (in regards to clothes, weapons, ships, etc.). Raiders of the North were very different from the Raiders of Malta.
DK proves the point that 'a picture is worth a thousand words' because they offer hundreds along with interesting commentary and explanations. Enjoy.
The CD includes hundreds of images for future use. Here's an example (randomly chosen): 'The English captain Edward Low had a reputation as one of the 18th century's cruelest pirates. He was said to have once made a victim eat his own ears.' This description is accompanied by an image of Edward Low. This book is meant for children ages 8 to 12. I can see boys trolling through the book and clip art looking for gruesome images (including how pirates were punished) and stories.
This book provides extraordinarily clear photos of coins, jewels, powder horns, typical clothing, maps, ships, and wild stories to enchant anyone. Pirates in different parts of the world looked and did things differently. This book shows what was important to each group (in regards to clothes, weapons, ships, etc.). Raiders of the North were very different from the Raiders of Malta.
DK proves the point that 'a picture is worth a thousand words' because they offer hundreds along with interesting commentary and explanations. Enjoy.
June 24, 2025
a very interesting and intriguing read! even though i wasn't reading it every night, i still found myself thinking about this book and the contents throughout the days. pirates have ALWAYS fascinated me and this was a very deep dive into the world and history of pirates, i even found that it was more informative than the republic of pirates by colin woodard. although it's a children's history book, i feel it covers a lot of the truth about the life of piracy.
April 3, 2018
An informative book about pirates. The history of pirates through time and in various parts of the world. Well known pirates are mentioned with a few tidbits of info. The life of a pirate is described, including both life on land and life at sea.
A good book for older kids who are interested in pirates.
A good book for older kids who are interested in pirates.
January 12, 2024
Um livro bastante informativo sobre piratas. Uma espécie de museu dentro de um livro cheio de curiosidades que se revelaram ser bastante interessantes. Recomendo este livro caso pretendam adquirir rapidamente alguma cultura geral sobre o tema.
January 18, 2018
Great reference book about pirates. Eyewitness book .
September 4, 2018
i liked it
March 14, 2021
Filled with fun pictures, facts and illustrations. Fun way to get quick info.
October 9, 2022
Too much info crammed into each page
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December 23, 2024Sviatočne guilty pleasure
November 17, 2009
This book is a long and interisting history based on the art of piracy.The book explains a lot about the pirates of the carrabien, the vikings, and the medditerainian sea pirates.The pirates i like best are the carrabien ones because they commanded all the islands around it. Some say they still haunt the bermuda triangle. I still think its a mith. Better leave it to the mithbusters!
The reason I chose this book is because I was very curious as to why they did what they did. Ounce I found outu it was pretty interisting. They looted to keep their selfs on the sea and sailing. They were constantly being raided and ambushed for their gold.
The reason I chose this book is because I was very curious as to why they did what they did. Ounce I found outu it was pretty interisting. They looted to keep their selfs on the sea and sailing. They were constantly being raided and ambushed for their gold.
April 16, 2013
Has table of contents, glossary and index. Has very detailed information on many different subtopics. Has lots of pictures of real artifacts. More detailed than the other eye witness book. Has a section on pirates in theatre, slavery and navigation. For more advanced readers 3rd and above.
July 6, 2009
I love using these DK books for research, it's amazing what you can discover from children's books.
January 7, 2012
sketches and pictures of artifacts and information about pirates and how people lived during the height of pirate attctions, including how they died
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March 28, 2013Typical eyewitness book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews