Full Description
Following the success of Robinson Crusoe, Defoe composed a further tale of high adventure at sea. The result was the lesser-known The King of Pirates, an inspired and hugely enjoyable 'first-hand' account of pirate living. In response to an alleged letter accusing him of the worst possible deeds, Captain Avery pens a reply seeking to exonerate himself from all such charges. He sees fit to provide a full account of life as captain of a pirate ship. Yet far from being the archetypal, murderous villain, his letters reveal him simply to be a very lovable rogue - albeit one with something of a penchant for fine jewels.
