15. Fame and Success Did Not Always Go Hand in Hand in the Golden Age of Piracy
Calico Jack, real name John Rackham (1682 – 1720), is one of the best-known pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy, but not because he was particularly successful or much good at being a pirate. Compared to other famous pirates, Calico Jack’s career was middling, and his accomplishments mediocre.
He nonetheless became famous because of his associations with other, more successful pirates. Also, because of his venality and backstabbing, that stood out even in a profession built on venality and backstabbing. His first mate also designed the Jolly Roger flag, so there was that. Most important of all, Calico Jack became famous because his crew included two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.