At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. Pirates to the U.S. Navy officers who chased them, heroes to the private citizens who shopped for contraband at their well-publicized auctions, the brothers became important members of a filibustering syndicate that included lawyers, bankers, merchants, and corrupt U.S. officials. But this allegiance didn't stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates.

William C. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 05/01/2006
ISBN: 9780156032599
Pages: 706
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.30w x 1.70d

Review Citations: New York Times 07/09/2006 pg. 24
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2006 pg. 87