Best Maritime History & Piracy Books of 2025

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann is a thrilling true account of survival, mutiny, and murder. The book recounts the story of thirty sailors who survived a shipwreck, marooned on a desolate island off the coast of Patagonia, and built a flimsy craft to sail for more than a hundred days, traversing nearly 3,000 miles of storm-wracked seas. Upon rescue, their heroism was short-lived as they were accused of mutiny. The book culminates in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. Grann's narrative is powerful and engaging, making this book a must-read for true crime enthusiasts.

Interesting Stories for Curious People by Lak Publishing is a must-read for anyone who loves to learn new things. This book is a collection of fascinating stories about history, science, pop culture, and just about anything else you can think of. It’s a quick read that’s packed with information from cover to cover. The book answers some of the most interesting questions, such as how a Frenchman successfully used a spontaneous combustion defense during a murder trial, and did Cleopatra really die from a snake bite? The book is perfect for trivia lovers and people who want to learn something new. Overall, it’s an entertaining and informative read that’s perfect for anyone who loves to learn random facts.

The book "Armada: The Spanish Enterprise and England’s Deliverance in 1588" by Colin Martin and Geoffrey Parker is a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated account of the Spanish Armada. The authors draw on archives from around the world and vital new evidence from Armada shipwrecks to provide a fresh understanding of how the rival fleets came into being and what happened when they finally clashed. The book also looks beyond the events of 1588 to the complex politics which made war between England and Spain inevitable. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Scotland and England's relationship with Spain.

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick is a gripping retelling of the true story that inspired Melville's Moby-Dick. The book recounts the tragic events that occurred in 1820 when the whaleship Essex was attacked and sunk by a sperm whale, leaving the crew stranded at sea for over three months. Philbrick's masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail create an eerie and spellbinding tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This National Book Award winner is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and history, and the maritime adventure genre.

Life on the Mississippi is an epic adventure that blends history and personal introspection. Rinker Buck builds a wooden flatboat from the grand “flatboat era” of the 1800s and sails it down the Mississippi River, illuminating the forgotten past of America’s first western frontier. Buck, a modern-day Huck Finn, steers his fragile wooden craft through narrow channels dominated by massive cargo barges, rescues his first mate, and camps every night on sandbars, remote islands, and steep levees. This book is a rich mix of history, reporting, and personal introspection that brings to life a lost era. It is a must-read for those interested in U.S. state and local history books.

Dead in the Water is a gripping true-crime story of a notorious maritime hijacking, its aftermath and the unsolved murder that threatened to unravel it all. Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel's investigative journalism takes readers on a thrilling journey through the criminal inner-workings of international shipping. The book uncovers an intricate web of conspiracy amidst the lawless, old-world industry at the backbone of our new global economy. Dead in the Water is a masterpiece of explanatory journalism, a must-read for true-crime fans and anyone interested in the darker side of the shipping industry.

The book "Pirate Enlightenment, or the Real Libertalia" by David Graeber is an exploration of the pirate societies that existed at the edges of the European empire. Through his research, Graeber uncovers the forgotten forms of social and political order that shaped the Enlightenment project. The book challenges the notion that "Western" thought has distinct European origins and highlights the non-European origins of these ideas. This book is an important addition to Malagasy history, and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of piracy and the roots of Western thought.

Black Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay Dolin is a captivating account of the Golden Age of American piracy, spanning from the late 1600s to the early 1700s. Dolin's extensive research and vivid storytelling bring to life the notorious pirates who roamed the coastal waters of North America and beyond. The book dispels popular misconceptions and explores the complex relationship between pirates and American colonists. With fascinating details of pirate culture and language, this book is a must-read for history buffs and adventure-seekers alike.

Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy is a gripping account of the disastrous 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition and the heroic voyage of the Karluk, a wooden-hulled brigantine. Levy's vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and the harrowing suffering and heroism of the crew are both evocative and chilling. The book focuses on the contrasting leadership styles of the expedition's two leaders, Captain Bob Bartlett and Vilhjalmur Stefansson, and how their decisions shaped the fate of the crew. Overall, Empire of Ice and Stone is a fascinating and unique read that sheds light on one of the most audacious and disastrous expeditions in polar history.

The book "The Titanic Disaster: Omens, Mysteries and Misfortunes of the Doomed Liner" by James W. Bancroft explores the events surrounding the construction and maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. The author delves into the strange omens, unexplained events, and feelings of foreboding that surrounded the ship before it set sail. Through years of research, Bancroft uncovers fascinating details about the doomed liner that were previously unknown. The book offers a unique perspective on the Titanic disaster and raises questions about whether the ship was doomed from the start. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history and the Titanic's tragic fate.