He drank tea rather than rum. He never killed a single prisoner. And he was probably gay. Meet the real pirate of the Caribbean. Bartholomew Roberts was the greatest of Caribbean pirates, seizing 400 ships in a career that lasted little more than 2 years. Yet today he is virtually forgotten. Originally a tea-sipping, disciplined third mate, when captured by pirates for recruitment, he begged to be released. But, he was fearless, and a born leader and he became the most successful, most exciting and dynamic pirate there ever was. Through the telling of this remarkable story, Richard Sanders explores the myth of pirates and provides a pirates' tour of the strange and cruel world of the early 18th century Atlantic. With searing research and swashbuckling anecdotes, Sanders has written a biography of one of the most intriguing men in history. Here is the reality of the myths which spawned a million childhood fantasies. 'A fascinating book, full of incident and fresh insight...' Daily Telegraph 'A swashbuckling tale from the golden age of piracy, spilling over with pieces of eight and whiffing of gunpowder ...' Mail on Sunday Richard Sanders is an award-winning documentary producer, director and presenter. He lives in London.