Ashton’s account of his travails, published in 1725, became a hit in Colonial New England. Now forgotten, his story is brought back to life by Gregory N. Flemming in his fine new book, At the Point of a Cutlass. Beautifully printed and bound-though it could use more maps-the book delivers blood-thirsty pirates and plenty of action and excitement on the high seas. Forgoing an ‘avast ye swabbies!’ approach, Flemming’s sober style and scholarly approach ballast his account and keep his story on a steady course.
