My wife has an affinity for biographies, histories and other textbooks. So that’s how I even had a copy of Under the Black Flag on hand to read.
I like pirates. In the debate over pirates versus ninjas I am firmly on the “Arrr!” side. So its no surprise that I enjoyed this book. Although, I will warn you, it reads like a textbook. Facts, followed by facts, and some more facts. In the end there is even a section of charts and tables, and a full bibliography of sources. Not terribly exciting stuff, but interesting in a “Hmm, I did not know that” sort of way.
Would I recommend it? Ehh… well, if you want to read a textbook about pirates, sure. But don’t go into it looking for a grand narrative tale.