Skipperrrr!!!

The publisher says they are aware of the Talk Like a Pirate book, and that they have checked it out and do not see it as direct competition. Fine and dandy. I am now working on a chapter about the Pirate Code.

You may not know this, but I found a copy of the original and authentic Pirate Code, and it's going to be in the book. Here are some sample articles for your edification.

IV. For the losse of limbes or other members in time of engagement, the following sumes shall be tendered. For an eye, two hundredd pieces of eight. Or one piece of sixteen hundredd. Plus two slaves. For an arme, one hundredd pieces of eight and one slave. For a legge, seventy-five pieces of eight and one poxy slave with bad knees. For a toe, ten pieces of eight and one poundde of cheese. Be it a greatte or innermost toe, also one serviceable midgett and two sackes of appropriate feed.

IX. The ship’s musicians may only be beaten betweene sets. However, the ship’s midgett may be smitten at wille, as fancy strykes. Use of staves or mallets shall in no wise be enjoyned.

X. Under no cyrcumstanses may the ship’s midgett be fyred from a cannon, except in obsservation of the holy Sabbath.