The Pirates of Panama or, The Buccaneers of America; a True Account of the Famous Adventures and Daring Deeds of Sir Henry Morgan and Other Notorious Freebooters of the Spanish Main

"The Pirates of Panama" by A. O. Exquemelin is a historical account written in the late 17th century. This work recounts the thrilling adventures and daring exploits of notorious pirates, particularly focusing on the famed buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan and other freebooters of the Spanish Main. Through a blend of firsthand observations and exciting narratives, the book provides insight into the world of Caribbean piracy and the tumultuous interactions between pirates and colonial powers. At the start of this narrative, the author introduces himself and his journey as part of the West India Company of France, sailing towards the island of Tortuga in 1666. He describes the challenges faced at sea, such as storms and encounters with English frigates. The opening chapters set a vivid scene of maritime life, detailing customs among sailors and the geography of Tortuga, which would soon become a hub for piracy. The text hints at the hardships the author experienced as he transitions from a servant of the company to a participant in the buccaneering lifestyle, paving the way for more exciting tales of piracy to unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alexandre Olivier Exquemelin was a French, Dutch, or Flemish writer best known as the author of one of the most important sourcebooks of 17th-century piracy, first published in Dutch as De Americaensche Zee-Roovers, in Amsterdam, by Jan ten Hoorn, in 1678.