The Lives and Daring Deeds of Pirates and Buccaneers – Geo. G. Evans – 1859 | Blackbeard, Morgan, Ladrones

This 1859 edition of The Lives and Daring Deeds of the Most Celebrated Pirates and Buccaneers was published in Philadelphia by Geo. G. Evans and includes one of the earlier American printings to feature detailed stories of Blackbeard, Captain Morgan, and other infamous figures. The book covers pirates and robbers from across the world, with sections on the Chinese Ladrones, Afghan raiders, and highwaymen like Claude Du Vall. Bound in original cloth with gilt spine and woodcut illustrations throughout, it reflects the mid-19th century fascination with criminals who lived outside the law. All illustrations are present, including the ship plate opposite the Buccaneers section.

The Blackbeard section tells how he terrorized the Carolina coast and outfitted his ships to look more fearsome than they were. Captain Morgan’s story follows his raids across Spanish strongholds. The section on Chinese pirates describes the rise of the Ladrones, who turned against imperial rule and commanded thousands. Other entries mix legend and true crime, including Robin Hood and infamous thieves like Richard Turpin. The engravings are scattered throughout, including ships, portraits, and scenes of raids.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Lives and Daring Deeds of the Most Celebrated Pirates and Buccaneers, of All Countries
• Author(s): Anonymous
• Publisher: Philadelphia: Geo. G. Evans
• Edition: First edition, ca.1859
• Format: Octavo, single volume
• Binding: Blind-stamped brown cloth with gilt spine design and titling
• Size:  7.5 x 5.5 in (19 x 14 cm)
• Collation: 288 pp
• Illustrations: ~13 woodcut engravings, including color frontispiece
• Contents Include:
  • Captain Teach, alias Black Beard
  • Captain Morgan
  • The Buccaneers of America
  • Robin Hood
  • Afghan Robbers
  • Chinese Pirates (The Ladrones)
  • Colonel Jack
  • Sawney Beane
  • Claude Du Vall
  • The Life of Old Mob
• Reference(s): not cited in Sabin

Condition:

Bound in original dark brown cloth with blind-stamped decorative panels on the boards. The spine shows a gold-stamped figure with sword and the title in gilt. The top and bottom of the spine, as well as the board edges, are worn with some fraying. Binding is still secure. Pages exhibit mild staining, toning, and scattered foxing throughout.

Why Collect This?

• Includes one of the earliest U.S. printings of Blackbeard’s life
• Features piracy stories from Asia, Europe, and the Americas
• Woodcut illustrations preserved; full text intact

• Ideal for collectors of pirate history, early crime narratives, or 19th-century illustrated books

Item Number: #28714