Meet some of the most cunning, ruthless and feared criminals in history. "Kingfisher Knowledge" is a comprehensive series for readers hungry for information on today's hot topics.

Using lively, engaging text and state-of-the-art digital artwork the series covers an immense range of subjects in impressive depth and is a major educational resource."Pirates & Smugglers" is a swashbuckling introduction to the highwaymen and women of the seas - from the Cilician pirates who terrorized the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago to the well-organized and ruthless modern-day buccaneers.

The book examines the terror tactics of pirates throughout the ages, and uncovers the secretive schemes of today's smugglers.