In the early 18th century, one man makes his name as the most notorious pirate of all time. The legend of Edward Thatch has spawned television shows, novels, and major motion pictures. Stories abound of his wild eyes striking fear into enemy hearts, of the six pistols strapped to his chest, and of his arrival in battle with his jet-black beard set ablaze. But how much is fact and how much fiction?

This is a Short History of Blackbeard the Pirate.

Written by Luke Kuhns. With thanks to Colin Woodard, author of The Republic of Pirates: Being the true and surprising story of the Caribbean pirates and the man who brought them down.

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