Jewish pirates of the Caribbean. by Edward Kritzler

Kritzler, Edward. Jewish pirates of the Caribbean.
Doubleday(Random), 2008, 324p, $26.00, 978-0-385-51398-2.

After the Spanish expulsion of its Jews in 1492, many converted, many died, and many left to cross the borders of Spain or onboard the small fleets of Columbus and those of later explorers. Some fled to the New World and became pirates who preyed on Spanish shipping, wreaking vengeance, acquiring treasure and riches, cementing alliances with other countries, and providing some protection for the Jewish population still in hiding.
In 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella expelled all of the Jews who had been living in Spain for centuries. Many converted, many died, and many left to cross the borders of Spain or onboard the small fleets of Columbus and those of later explorers. In the almost 200 years between the expulsion and the authorization of the first Jewish settlement in New Amsterdam, a large part of this Jewish community perished under the persecution of the Inquisition. Even many who had fled to the New World as conversos were hunted down but not all of these people went peaceably. A small contingent of Jews living in Arab North Africa as well as those who later settled in Jamaica expanded their horizons by becoming pirates and privateers who preyed on Spanish shipping, wreaking vengeance, acquiring treasure and riches, cementing alliances with other countries, and providing some protection for the Jewish population still in hiding. It was not until the middle of the seventeenth century that the Dutch allowed real freedom of religion and Charles II allowed the Jews to return to England.
In this deeply detailed and fascinating account of the time period, the author brings to light little known facts and information about the time period and the active role that Jews played in the New World as well as the Old. Well documented and highlighted by a wealth of primary source material, this book is sure to hold the reader’s attention. While the author concentrates on Caribbean piracy, he also provides solid data on the historical role of Jews throughout Western Europe. The book contains a map of the Caribbean and ends with a chronology, copious attributions and source notes, chapter notes, and a detailed index. SO