Mistress of the Seas
Author | John Carlova |
---|---|
Language | English |
Subject | Anne Bonny |
Genre | historical drama |
Publisher | Citadel Press |
Publication date | 1964 |
Publication place | USA |
Mistress of the Seasis a 1964 novel by John Carlova based on the life of pirateAnne Bonny.
Background
[edit]In 1952 Carlova was researching another project at theBritish Museumwhen he read about Anne Bonny. He later researched Bonny's life in theWest Indiesand tried to sell the idea of a book on her to publishers but none were interested. A magazine expressed interest in a shorter version, and Carlova wrote an 80,000 word piece. However, the magazine only wanted a short article, which Carlova wrote. In 1962 a publisher's representative read the article in a magazine in a barber and became excited about the possibilities of the story as a book, "a kind of seagoingForever Amber."He asked Carlova if he was interested in adapting it and Carlova submitted the 80,000 word manuscript. It was accepted for publication by Citadel Press.[1]
Historical Accuracy
[edit]Although Carlova claimed the information inMistress of the Seawas all true, many historians strongly believe it to merely be a work of fiction. David Fictum calls the novel "fiction" and claims it is the origin of Bonny's parents' names, William Cormac and Peg Brennan.[2]JournalistTony Bartelmenoted that while Carlova claimed extensive archival research, he does not cite or include specific sources backing up his numerous claims.[3]
Adaptation into film
[edit]A number of attempts were made to turn the book into a film, including:
- In 1978,Tony Williamsof theRank Organisationannounced Rank would make a film based on the novel.[4]
- In 1981,Bo Derekwas attached to star in a version of the novel directed by her husbandJohn Derek.[5]
- In the early 1990s,Paul Verhoevenwas going to direct a film version starringGeena Davis.[6]
References
[edit]- ^Weinstock, Matt (25 September 1962)."This writer's pirate ship finally came in".The Los Angeles Times.p. 32.(subscription required)
- ^Fictum, David."Anne Bonny and Mary Read: Female Pirates and Maritime Women".Colonies, Ships, and Pirates.8 May 2016.Retrieved6 October2023.
- ^Bartelme, Tony."The true and false stories of Anne Bonny, pirate woman of the Caribbean".The Post and Courier.21 November 2018.Retrieved6 October2023.
- ^Kilday, Gregg (12 April 1978)."Harvey:Movies Back to Back".The Los Angeles Times.p. 8 Part 4.(subscription required)
- ^Lochte, Dick (16 August 1981)."Book Notes".The Los Angeles Times.p. 2 Book Review.(subscription required)
- ^Frook, John Evan (13 July 1993)."Verhoeven exits Col's 'Mistress of the Seas'".Variety.Retrieved4 March2023.