| The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf Contributor(s): Davis, William C. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0156032597 ISBN-13: 9780156032599 Publisher: Mariner Books OUR PRICE: $22.49 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: May 2006 Annotation: PRAISE FOR HONORABLE DEFEAT "No other writer has described the death agonies of the lost cause with more authority, brought Breckinridge forward more convincingly, or portrayed Davis's blind determination more clearly than William C. Davis. Once again he has reminded us that American history is not all black and white, or blue and gray--that, especially within the doomed Confederacy, the shading of character ran from nobility to absurdity."--Washington Post Book World "A well-told story about the death of the Confederate States of America . . . Davis describes it all with verve and authority, and so lends order to what otherwise looks like a chaotic collapse. Having written biographies of both Jefferson Davis and Breckenridge, he knows his two principal players well, and a marvelous supporting case of politicians and soldiers helps him to fashion a story rich in pathos and humor."--The New York Times Book Review "William C. Davis uses [small incidents] to great effect in 'An Honorable Defeat' . . . . Exciting. "--Wall Street Journal "Davis tells his story in an open, accessible style, and his action-filled narrative is irresistable. This is popular history at its very best."--Seattle Post Intelligencer |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Biography & Autobiography | Historical - History | United States - 19th Century - Biography & Autobiography | Personal Memoirs |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 2004029150 |
| Physical Information: 1.7" H x 5.3" W x 8" (0.75 lbs) 756 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 19th Century |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. Pirates to the U.S. Navy officers who chased them, heroes to the private citizens who shopped for contraband at their well-publicized auctions, the brothers became important members of a filibustering syndicate that included lawyers, bankers, merchants, and corrupt U.S. officials. But this allegiance didn't stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates. William C. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf. |
Contributor Bio(s): Davis, William C.: - The author of more than forty books, WILLIAM C. DAVIS is the director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. He is also chief consultant for the A&E television series Civil War Journal and teaches history at Virginia Tech. |