The Many-Headed Hydra

'An extremely important and well written book' Times Literary Supplement 'More than just a vivid illustration of the gains involved in thinking beyond the boundaries between nation-states. Here, in incendiary form, are essential elements for a people's history of our dynamic, transcultural present.' Paul Gilroy, author of The Black Atlantic 'The sections on piracy are perhaps the best parts in a generally splendid book. But even more seminal for historical research are the many vistas Linebaugh and Rediker open up in the history of blacks, women, the United Irishmen, the left in the American War of independence, and religious millenarianism. Strikingly, the authors write from the heart as well as the brain.' Frank McLynn, author of Villa and Zapata 'Scum of the maritime sort has their spell in the limelight with The Many-Headed Hydra. This compelling history of the 'revolutionary Atlantic' portrays pirates, sailors, dockers, sea-going whores and other dregs of the ocean and coast as