Pirates have long fascinated us as a society and have been a cultural touchstone for anyone who dreams of a life free of rules and full of high adventure. But the reality of life as a 17th century buccaneer in the Caribbean was far harsher and much bloodier than most popular fiction depicts. There is one swashbuckler who cheated death time and time again, though, in addition to foiling the Spanish Empire's attempts to maintain a stranglehold on the riches of "the New World." His name was Captain Henry Morgan, and was brave, brutal and brilliant.

To learn more, dive into Graham A. Thomas's excellent book "The Buccaneer King: The Story of Captain Henry Morgan."

Also check out Robert C. Ritchie's newest book "The Lure of the Beach."

Hosted by Bridget Todd

Written by Benjamin Austin-Docampo

Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto

Produced by James Levine

Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle

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