The story of Capt.Martel, who was notable in 1716 and 1717 until his disappearance, and of Capt "Teach", also known as Blackbeard, who raided ships from 1716 until his demise at Ocracoke NC in the fall of 1718. There is much to learn anout Blackbeard outside of DeFoe's account so we are adding my research to next week's episode.

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This book is an excellent choice!

Episode Overview
Title: A General History of the Pyrates by Daniel Defoe (Chap 1) Henry Avery & Crew

Duration: 43:02

Key Figures: Henry Avery (the "Arch-Pirate" who famously vanished with his loot) and Daniel Defoe (widely believed to be the true author behind the pseudonym "Capt. Charles Johnson").

Quick Historical Context
The Author Mystery: While the book was originally attributed to Captain Charles Johnson in 1724, most modern scholars credit Daniel Defoe. Defoe's background as a journalist and his fascination with criminals (seen in Moll Flanders) makes him the prime suspect for having the "inside scoop" from Newgate Prison.

Music Credits Pixabay

Spanish Ladies-m ebUNNY

Leave Her Johnny Nascara da Alexander

The Sailor's Bargain Kaazoom

Ocean Fluite Universfield

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The Count of Monte Cristo was an enormous commercial and critical success, captivating readers with its intricate plot and universal themes. Following its publication, Alexandre Dumas earned a fortune but died poor due to an extravagant lifestyle, chronic overspending, and political upheaval.

Success of the Novel
The novel, published in serial form from 1844 to 1846, was an immediate sensation and remains one of the most widely read French authors globally.
Popularity: The serialization format, coupled with Dumas' ability to create suspenseful, page-turning narratives, ensured massive popularity among the 19th-century reading public.
Themes: Its exploration of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, along with a complex plot and well-developed characters, resonated strongly with readers and secured its place as a classic of world literature.
Enduring Legacy: The book has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, TV series, and stage productions, demonstrating its lasting cultural influence.
Life of Dumas After Publication
Dumas became one of the most famous and wealthy Frenchmen of his day, but his life after the novel's publication was marked by extravagance and financial difficulty.
Flamboyant Lifestyle: He lived a life as dramatic as his heroes, engaging in numerous love affairs and foreign adventures. He was known for his extreme generosity, often granting money and gifts to anyone who asked.
Château de Monte-Cristo: A testament to his success, Dumas built an extravagant mansion on the outskirts of Paris, which he named the Château de Monte-Cristo, along with a theater, the Théâtre Historique, specifically for his plays.
Financial Ruin: Despite earning millions, his lavish spending habits outpaced his income, leading to significant debt. He eventually had to sell the Château de Monte-Cristo property just two years after its completion.
Exile and Travel: In 1851, to escape his creditors, Dumas fled to Brussels. He later traveled to Russia and then Italy, where he founded a newspaper, Indipendente, and supported Garibaldi's campaign for Italian independence.
Later Years and Death: Dumas returned to France in 1864 and continued to write prolifically. He died of a stroke at his son's home near Dieppe in December 1870, far from a rich man, despite his monumental literary success.