Originally published as and "The Privateer, and " this is Walter Jon Williams' first published work, one of the historical novels with which he began his career.The American Revolution is throwing up a new breed of hero, Yankee privateers who dare the might of the Royal Navy to slash at British commerce. Foremost among them are the three Markham brothers, Jehu, Josiah, and Malachi, who link their destiny to that of their young nation, and seek their fortune in the cannon's mouth.