Born to Be Hanged

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Discover a captivating account of the first pirates to raid the Pacific during the Golden Age of Piracy, culminating in a sensational trial in England. In 1680, over three hundred daring pirates—comprising both scallywags and gentlemen buccaneers—convene on a remote Caribbean island to launch a campaign of chaos across the Pacific coastline, targeting cities, mines, and merchant ships in pursuit of Spanish gold and legendary status. Inspired by the exploits of Captain Henry Morgan, the group treks across the Darien Isthmus, navigating one of the densest jungles on Earth and liberating a native princess along the way. Once they reach the South Sea, these English buccaneers engage in historic assaults against the Spanish Main, often overcoming overwhelming odds and superior firepower. Their actions send shockwaves along the western South American coastline, as they wage a proxy war against the Spaniards and briefly dominate Pacific waters. With novelistic prose and an adventurous spirit, the narrative unfolds their two-year odyssey, showcasing encounters with Indigenous tribes, Spanish conquistadors, and the ever-looming threat of capture. By blending contemporary accounts with extensive research and new primary sources, this work offers a thrilling portrayal of one of history's most remarkable pirate expeditions.