A drinking toast akin to saying cheers! This term is said to originate from the common practice of tricking English sailors into joining the Navy. Always looking for ways to boost recruitment numbers, Royal Navy recruiters would manipulate the sailor into joining the Navy by tricking him into accepting the King’s shilling, which was secretly dropped into his drink. The victim would not notice the coin until it was too late. Once pub owners began to realize what was going on, they started to serve beer in tankards with clear bottoms and drinkers would remind each other to check for the hidden payment with the phrase ‘bottoms up’. The practice of offering the king’s shilling was officially brought to an end in 1879. This nautical tale could be just a myth because the Navy press-gangs could recruit by force, making deception unnecessary.
The deeds and personalities of famous pirates have received significant attention in recent years: however, no detailed depiction of their vessels has ever been produced. This title redresses the imbalance, conducting a detailed exploration of the wide variety of pirate vessels that sailed the high seas during the ‘golden age’ of piracy (1690–1730), from gun-bristling warships to smaller craft such as sloops, brigantines and early schooners. It incorporates the latest archaeological evidence to produce a fascinating account of these vessels, detailing their origins, development and tactical engagement. Packed with contemporary illustrations and superbly detailed colour artwork, the ships of the ‘golden age’ are brought vividly to life.
This book gives an accurate picture of the pirates who sailed in the waters of the Caribbean and off the American coastline during the ‘golden age’ of piracy between 1660 and 1730. It traces the origins of piratical activity in the 16th century and examines the Boucaneer (Buccaneer) culture in Jamaica and Hispaniola. It details what drove individuals to a life of piracy, how they dressed, their weaponry, the ships they used and the codes by which they operated. Whether viewed as villains or victims the Pirates were a major threat to shipping and commerce in the western Atlantic for more than 70 years.
A symphonic power metal band from Austria formed in 2000. They play melodic music with both male and female lead vocals. Their songs mix nautical and fantasy themes with their most recent albums concentrating more on the topic of pirates. The band’s line-up has changed considerably over the years, the only remaining and founding member being Thomas Caser on drums. The band has recorded many albums, including three live ones in addtion to those listed below.