Korzáři Krále Slunce – Kovařík Jiří (2001)

The words corsair and corsair war remain synonymous with pirate adventures. In many books, including reputable encyclopedias, a corsair is labeled as a certain type of pirate, that is, a maritime robber. Even the term 'corsair war' denotes something dishonorable and illegal. However, this is a misconception. A corsair was not a pirate, but a sailor who waged a guerrilla war with the permission of his ruler or government. The corsair war had strict rules, laws, and specifics. In the history of naval warfare, French corsairs have carved out an exceptional place. No other naval power has managed to conduct a corsair war with such intensity and breadth. France achieved this twice: first during the war-torn reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and second during the times of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The first volume of Corsair War is dedicated to the battles and voyages of renowned commanders such as Jean Bart, Claude Forbin, and René Duguay-Trouin, as well as many forgotten ones. It also describes great naval battles like Texel, Bévéziers, Barfleur, and La Hougue. It speaks of the conditions and customs of the corsair war, the ways it was conducted, life on ships during long voyages, and the rules of combat. It was written using a number of period sources unknown to us...