In 1851, the clipper ship Flying Cloud set sail on a record-breaking voyage from New York to San Francisco with a female navigator at the helm. This thrilling tale captures the drama, danger, and triumph of a legendary seafaring adventure that helped shape America's frontier spirit.

Depicting a time when Britain ruled the seas and France most of Europe, The Barbary Wars proves America's earliest conflict with the Arabic world was always a struggle for economic advantage rather than any clash of cultures or religions.

The story of Chesapeake pirates and patriots introduces infamous men like Edward “Blackbeard” Teach and “Black Sam” Bellamy, as well as lesser-known local figures like Gus Price and Berkeley Muse, whose tales of piracy are legendary from the harbor of Baltimore to the shores of Cape Charles.

“An epic history of piracy.” —WYPR

Discover the true story of Captain Kidd, the notorious pirate who was actually a hero turned villain. From his daring missions to his betrayal and the hunt for his treasure, this gripping tale reveals the dark side of the golden age of piracy.

"A lively, educational, thoroughly spellbinding trip back in time." —Booklist