Description
From author and History Hunter, Mark Greenwood, comes a new mystery about a lost pirate treasure.
Captain Kidd is a figure shrouded in myth and legend. Hired by the King of England as a privateer to capture pirates who were attacking treasure-laden ships, he was eventually accused of turning rogue and becoming a ruthless buccaneer himself.
His notoriety endures because of the legendary hoards of gold, silver and precious stones said to have been buried by him. But did pirates really bury their treasure? And how much of Captain Kidd's treasure is still waiting to be found?
The truth is out there.
Review
The Unlucky Pirate looks at the life of one of the world's most famous pirates, Captain Kidd. A true seafaring man, the English employed him as a privateer to hunt pirates and French ships, as they were at war with France, and return the treasure to England.
Initially, he had little success and with a crew that was turning mutinous as their pay was solely a share of the treasure, they finally got lucky and seized the French ship the Quedagh Merchant which was carrying an immense fortune.
This occurred in the Caribbean Sea, but before they could return to England Captain Kidd learned that the tide had turned against pirates and privateers, and he was now a wanted man. He was eventually sent back to London and executed, but not before much of the treasure was dispersed, maybe buried, somewhere between the Caribbean Islands and New York. This occurred around 1700, and treasure hunters have been searching for it ever since.
Has it been found? Or shared amongst his crew? Or will some lucky treasure hunter find it and become amazingly rich?
The History Hunters books are wonderful for readers who love stories based on real events. This one teases the reader with the chance of finding an immense fortune that may still be hidden. They are insightful, engaging and pose questions about what really happened, while looking at the lives and laws of times long ago, this one around 1700.
A terrific book for readers aged from 10 to 14 years, particularly reluctant readers in lower secondary years.
Teacher notes prepared by the publisher are available on our website for this title.
