A panel from the graphic animation of Under the Banner of King Death

Under the Banner of King Death gives a visual perspective on the history of piracy

 
A new book—Under the Banner of King Death—is from the team that produced Prophet Against Slavery about the life of the abolitionist Benjamin Lay.   

It is an adaptation of Villains of All Nations by distinguished professor of history Marcus Rediker, which examines the period 1660 to 1720, known as the “Golden Age” of piracy. 

Set in graphic novel form, the book brings a visual perspective to our history “from below”.  

The graphic novel is increasingly being used by educators who understand that students are more receptive to what could be termed “visual literature”. 

The authors raise the profile of predominantly ordinary working sailors from diverse backgrounds, “poor men from the lowest social class”, as Rediker notes in the foreword.  

David Lester’s unique, exquisite and meticulously researched illustrations elevate the lives of the pirates of this period.  These figures are John Gwin, an African American fugitive from slavery in South Carolina.

Ruben Dekker an ordinary seafarer from Amsterdam and Mark Reed, an American woman “Mary”, who dressed in male clothing. 

Aboard The Night Rambler decisions are made by voting on equal shares of the spoils from “prize” ships. 

The captain only had control of going into action against another ship. Sailors were effectively living in an embryonic social democracy. 

The book portrays the “London elite”, horrified by the threat to their profits, employing a ruthless sea-captain, William Snelgrave, to find, kill or arrest the pirates. 

In an informative afterword, essay historian Paul Buhle explores ‘the images of pirates through centuries of readers from Robert Louis Stevenson to the portrayals in DC comics and Hollywood films.  

He shows how Rediker’s research has brought about a fundamental reinterpretation of the lives of these courageous “villains of all nations”. 

People from a myriad of ethnic backgrounds created a system of work and reward which benefited all, despite constant threat of bloody ruling class revenge.  

It is a beautifully presented sometimes moving visual narrative for young readers and adults alike. Our history—from below. 

  • Under the Banner of King Death—Pirates of the Atlantic A graphic novel by David Lester with Marcus Rediker and Paul Buhle available for £12.50