Our Flag Means Death

Our Flag Means Death is a historical fiction novel by author Marcus Rediker. The book tells the story of the infamous pirate Stede Bonnet, who was known as the “Gentleman Pirate” due to his aristocratic background. Bonnet was a wealthy landowner who left his comfortable life to become a pirate, causing shock and scandal in 18th-century society. The novel explores Bonnet’s motivations and the events of his short-lived pirating career. Our Flag Means Death offers a unique look at the world of piracy and the complex and often contradictory motivations of those who chose to live the pirate life.