"Salt in Their Veins: The Defiant Women Who Ruled the High Seas" unveils the extraordinary lives of women mariners who shattered gender biases and claimed their rightful place on the world's oceans. From legendary pirates who defied societal norms to trailblazing naval commanders who led with unparalleled courage and tactical brilliance, this meticulously researched volume explores the captivating biographies of women who navigated both treacherous waters and deeply ingrained prejudices throughout maritime history.

The pages of this groundbreaking book illuminate stories long obscured by time and bias—tales of remarkable women whose names deserve to stand alongside the most celebrated male seafarers.

Delve into the remarkable story of Jeanne de Clisson, the 14th-century "Lioness of Brittany," who transformed from noblewoman to feared pirate commander after her husband's execution, wreaking havoc on French shipping for thirteen years with her distinctive black fleet. Follow the journey of Grace O'Malley, the formidable 16th-century Irish pirate queen who commanded a fleet of ships and hundreds of men, negotiating directly with Queen Elizabeth I when her son was captured. Discover how 18th-century pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read escaped societal constraints through seafaring careers that led them to become two of history's most notorious female buccaneers.

The narrative extends beyond piracy to celebrate women who achieved incredible feats of endurance and skill, including the pioneering circumnavigators who challenged conventional wisdom about women's capabilities at sea. Meet Jeanne Baret, who in the 1760s became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, though she had to disguise herself as a man to secure a position as assistant to the expedition's naturalist. Contemplate the sheer determination of Kay Cottee, who in 1988 became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, enduring 189 days of isolation and extreme conditions.

"Salt in Their Veins" also honors modern pioneers: women like Commander Sarah West, appointed in 2012 as the first female commander of a major Royal Navy warship; Captain Wendy Lawrence, one of NASA's first female shuttle commanders who began her career as a naval aviator; and Dr. Sylvia Earle, the legendary oceanographer whose deep-sea explorations have expanded our understanding of the world's oceans.

These women's accomplishments are all the more remarkable when viewed against the backdrop of maritime superstition and opposition they faced. For centuries, women were considered bad luck aboard ships—believed to anger the sea itself—yet these determined individuals found ways to circumvent these prejudices through disguise, exceptional competence, or sheer force of will. The book examines how these pioneers navigated not only harsh oceanic conditions but also legal barriers designed specifically to exclude them from maritime professions.

Through engaging storytelling and comprehensive historical context, this book celebrates the unwavering spirit of women who broke barriers on every ocean and in every maritime profession, demonstrating conclusively that the call of the sea knows no gender. Their courage to lead—whether commanding powerful warships, undertaking solo global journeys by sail or oar, or pioneering deep-ocean exploration—reminds us that determination, skill, and passion can overcome even the most entrenched societal limitations.

By bringing...