Book excerpt: This book offers a first-hand account of the shipwreck and subsequent captivity of Pierre Raymond de Brisson, a French sailor who was captured by Barbary pirates in the early 18th century. De Brisson's narrative offers a vivid and compelling portrayal of life in captivity, as well as a detailed account of his efforts to escape and return home. With its blend of adventure and historical detail, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of piracy and seafaring during this period. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.