Friends of Archives Promotes New Book - The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate

Duffus has discovered that many accounts about Blackbeard's last days were inaccurate, insufficiently researched and, as it turned out, not nearly as interesting as the truth.

June 16, 2008

BEAUFORT COUNTY NC NEWS -- Author and filmmaker, Kevin Duffus, has written a new book called, "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate." Duffus, recites the tale of how on a June day 290 years ago the rogue pirate Blackbeard scuttled his flagship off the coast of Beaufort, North Carolina. Duffus, explains when Blackbeard was cornered and attacked at Ocracoke in 1718, why he attempted to escape rather than fight back, and how his life might have been spared had he lived for three more weeks. Furthermore, in his book he reveals the true meaning of a mysterious letter found in the pirate's possessions. Duffus will expose the truths behind many of the enduring myths about the notorious pirate:

• Blackbeard's Bristol, England birthplace
• Blackbeard's 14 wives
• The burning of fuses in his hair to frighten his victims
• The countless tall tales of buried treasure and secret tunnels
• The shocking origins of the legend of his silver-plated skull, used as a drinking cup by a secret society.

Additionally, Duffus received help with his research from staff members of State Archives, the Archaeology division and the Museum of History. Revelations Duffus shares with the help of groundbreaking research by three genealogists, which stands out being the long-forgotten clues to the potential identity of Blackbeard beginning with an age-old myth about his sister, Susannah.

According to state researchers, Duffus draws conclusions that are far-reaching and certain to be controversial. But, Duffus has discovered that many accounts about Blackbeard's last days were inaccurate, insufficiently researched and, as it turned out, not nearly as interesting as the truth.

On Monday, June 23, at 2:30 p.m. in a public program presented by Friends of Archives, Kevin Duffus will disclose surprising new information that he says will change pirate history. The program will take place in the first-floor auditorium at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Archives and History/State Library building at 109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh. Duffus will read from The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate, published by Looking Glass Productions. A book signing follows the program, and copies are available in the Museum of History Shop for $30.00. Duffus will also speak about his book at the N.C.Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina on August 8, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. and October 2, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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