EMPIRE OF BLUE WATER

Captain Henry Morgan, the terror of the Spanish Caribbean, inspired many a pirate legend, but his profiteering raids were actually carried out in the service of Great Britain. John Mayer makes clear his appreciation for the ironies of piracy, such as its similarities to the merchant trade and the merchants' fears about the piracy getting out of control even though they themselves encouraged it. Even so, Mayer avoids letting that ironic tone take over, allowing the facts to speak for themselves in an engaging narrative. He takes on the tone of a fascinated observer, aware of both the adventure and the cruelty in Morgan's story. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]