This engaging encyclopedia profiles the lives and times of the most colorful buccaneers from the mid-17th to early 18th centuries. This unique A–Z reference work includes stories of prominent and lesser-known individuals, battles, weapons, ships, fleets, and more. Each entry includes hard to find facts on events that took place on the high seas and in the ports, cities, and settlements of the New World. Cross-references link related entries, and a bibliography directs readers to additional sources of information.

A comprehensive overview of Mexico's military history from 1810 to the present day, including rare facts and information not found online. Mexico's past is riddled with stories of struggle-military battles, internal rebellions, revolutions, and drug wars. This in-depth reference provides a complete military history of that country since its War of Independence in 1810 through the present day. From the evolution of combat in the region, to the motivations and tensions behind recurrent conflicts, to the dubious beginnings of drug gangs and warlords, this is the only book of its kind to explore Mexican warfare in such great depth. This detailed study consists of an alphabetical compilation of roughly 300 entries dealing with different facets of hostile encounters throughout the country's history. In addition to covering key places and people, regional expert and author David F. Marley offers unique insights into more obscure topics such as the 1913 aerial bombardments at the port of Guaymas, visits from American luminaries, colorful Mexican military slang, and the songs that identify various political factions. The work includes a host of important historical documents, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography to encourage further research on the subject. Contains 300 entries covering every aspect of military history ranging from weapons to terminology to practices Includes a wealth of hard-to-find information compiled and translated from obscure Mexican and French sources Features key primary sources, including 10 of the most important documents related to the military history of Mexico Reveals the role music played in creating and establishing personal, military, and national identities

This reference text explains what modern piracy is, where and why it happens, and what measures are being taken to combat it. While piracy today typically occurs in specific areas-such as Somalia and Southeast Asia-a single pirate attack can involve and affect many different countries. For example, a supertanker traveling in the South China Sea might be owned by a Saudi Arabian oil company, built in South Korea, registered in Liberia, captained by an Italian, and crewed by Filipinos. And, as reports of attacks on commercial vessels and cruise liners become more common, the topic of modern piracy receives ever-increasing international scrutiny. This chapter-based reference handbook examines modern piracy from the mid-1970s to today. The subject is addressed from a global perspective, covering both the causes and consequences of present-day piracy and evaluating its impact on a number of related issues, including international law, commercial shipping, and terrorism. Documents important resolutions and laws from the United Nations and European Union as well as U.S. policy statements regarding piracy Features charts and tables that provide at-a-glance statistical information on pirate attacks, as well as data on factors that contribute to piracy A resources chapter provides an annotated print and electronic bibliography organized by subject (e.g., international law, Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and the Mersk Alabama incident) Presents a glossary of short definitions of unfamiliar terms

Drawing on new research, this fascinating volume looks behind the myths to offer detailed insights into the real lives and activities of pirates-for better or worse-during the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean, from the mid-17th century to 1720. Over the past decade, research in Spanish, French, and Dutch archives, as well as in traditional English repositories, has resulted in a clearer picture of the activities and lives of the pirates who roamed the seas during the "Golden Age of Piracy" from 1650 to 1720. That is the picture shared in Daily Life of Pirates. The book describes how pirates actually lived, touching on their food and drink, their hideouts, and their humor. It also examines their ships, weapons and seamanship, their plunder-and their use of torture. The book's detailed coverage is made possible by newly uncovered interrogations of pirates and by official depositions given by their victims, both of which provide insights that go well beyond simple recountings of famous exploits. The result is a tantalizing, true picture of pirates' daily lives that reveals many surprising facts, such as the reality that most of their time was spent upon land as actual piracy was a seasonal occupation. A collection of ten original documents related to piracy, including contemporary letters, newspaper accounts, and the Crown Act specifying court practices in pirate trials A lengthy "Chronology of Major European Wars and Pirate Strikes, 1650-1720," showing how wartime privateers often drifted into peacetime piracy before finding renewed "honest" employment when conflict erupted again 25 illustrations depicting the daily life of pirates A glossary covering the many colorful terms associated with pirates, such as black dog, Devil's Torrent, and Tongue of the Ocean

This captivating resource covers the bloody history of Mexican drug cartels from their rise in the 1980s to the latest round of brutal violence, which has seen more than 125,000 Mexican citizens killed over the past decade. This comprehensive reference work offers a detailed exploration of the vicious drug organizations that have enveloped Mexico in extreme violence since the 1980s. Organized alphabetically, the book features more than 200 entries on the major individuals and organizations that have dominated Mexico's booming illegal drug trade, as well as the Mexican armed forces and police units that have faced off against them in the escalating War on Drugs. The book opens with illuminating essays that provide context for Mexico's cartels and the long-running War on Drugs and explore the impact of the cartels on the United States. The A-Z entries that follow include such topics as Vincente Fox, "El Chapo" Guzman, the Golden Triangle, Operation Border Star, and the Sinaloa and Zetas cartels. Other entries focus on various anti-drug campaigns, crucial events, and weaponry favored by the cartels. The entries are augmented by an expansive chronology, a colorful glossary, and an extensive bibliography. Offers a reliable resource for students and researchers who want to explore the world of Mexican drug cartels more knowledgeably and in greater depth Provides accurate information on many facets of the drug trade, much of which has been erroneously represented in the popular press and other media outlets Explores in detail the impact of the drug war in both Mexico and the United States Enables readers to pursue connections from one entry to another through numerous cross-references