Jon Hagadorn

So we end our section on Teach, Blackbeard, for today, but when we come back, we'll complete that in full.

And then add to that the true story of Blackbeard the Pirate from our 1001 Stories archives.

And it's a very interesting story.

See you next Sunday at noon here at 1001 Stories for the Road.

Until then, take care.

Please share our show with others.

And we'll be back soon.

And what a story we have for you.

300 years ago, the ocean wasn't a vacation destination like it is today.

It was a black abyss.

If you sailed beyond the horizon, you weren't just leaving home.

You were leaving the protection of the law, the reach of kings, and the very concept of mercy.

But for a few desperate souls, that abyss represented something better than the starving streets of London or the lash of the Royal Navy.

It represented freedom.

Violent, fleeting, but intoxicating freedom.

Today we begin a journey into the definitive chronicle of that era.

A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates.

First published in 1724, this isn't just a book.

It's the reason you know what a pirate looks like.

But before we get to the eye patches and the Jolly Roger, we have to talk about the man behind the curtain.