Captain Kidd is someone I've heard legends about from the time I was very young. I first heard his name in a Trixie Belden book I read when I was in first grade, and my fascination with his story--and those of other pirates--grew from there.

As an adult, I've used critical literacy lenses to examine various texts and stories that I've heard from history. I have learned about numerous people from history who were different from what I was taught. People have many sides to them and thus others view them differently. However, sometimes people are vilified not for their own character, words, or actions, but due to someone else's desire to write them as the "bad person." It can be for personal or political reasons, and unfortunately, sometimes that is the story told.

Captain Kidd is someone who is more complex that typically shared in the legends and other stories about him. This book, written by a descendent, provides an insightful look into the man behind the myths. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC!

I grew up loving swashbuckling movies, and that led to an interest in learning about real pirates and privateers. One person I did not know much about was Captain William Kidd. In "Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal", Samuel Marquis brings the captain's story to life. It's clear he did a great deal of research about Kidd's life and activities, but this is no dry history book. Marquis creates vivid word-pictures of scenes and situations involving Captain Kidd and the people he knew.

Marquis provides context about political and socioeconomic conditions of the time, in between describing bloody battles on the high seas and on land. He relies heavily on historical accounts of everything from how people looked to the weather on the day of a battle. As a journalist and genealogist myself, I appreciate how he couches what he doesn't know with careful word selection, like "he may have seen."

"Captain Kidd" is both riveting and detailed, a must-read for anyone who wants to know true stories about real pirates, as well as fans of historical non-fiction.

I received an advance reading copy through NetGalley; thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Was Captain Kidd a pirate hunter or notorious outlaw? This biography reveals the truth behind the legend, exposing the political conspiracy that transformed a respected privateer into a scapegoat. A fascinating story for history afficionados, the book is engrossing and immersive, bringing the challenges faced by a privateer captain to life.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Very well-written, with lots of page turning action and adventure. Written by one of Kidd's descendants, I feel there might be a bit of bias, but overall an excellent book for newcomers and seasoned scholars alike.

The title and the description compelled me to read Samuel Marquis' Captain Kidd. I am fascinated with shipping narratives because there is a plethora of knowledge to learn. Marquis is a descendent (ninth great grandson) of the infamous pirate Captain Kidd. Marquis purposes to change the rhetoric of Kidd from pirate to hero who endured horrible British propaganda. Before Marquis begins his novel long argument, he provides an extensive glossary of historic names, places, and battles. I appreciate this addition because the reader can easily reference it for clarification during Marquis' narrative. Marquis provides readers with his extensive research. A complete Kidd history is provided: noting romantic interests, expeditions, battles, and injuries. To separate Kidd's name from pirate and establish him as a noteworthy British gentleman, Marquis discusses Kidd's attention to remaining law-abiding. Kidd obtained "letters of marque," which legally permitted him to target enemy ships or pirate ships. The plunder would benefit The Crown, of course, and some monies were given to Kidd to cover expenses and pay his crew. Marquis also discusses the origins of Kidd's falling into political trouble. A British war captain known as Wrong-Way-Warren tried to steal Kidd's crew, thus Kidd fled away from the pursuing captain in order to save his men. There are additional pieces of evidence that Marquis introduces into his argument. Marquis provides a strong argument to remove the derogatory rhetoric from Kidd's reputation. Is Kidd a pirate, a hero, or a combination of both? These are the questions that I am continuing to ask myself.

Thank you to #SamuelMarquis, #DiversionBooks, and #NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. #CaptainKidd was a pleasure to read.