Enemy of All Mankind: A True Story of Piracy, Power, and History's First Global Manhunt

Henry Every, the notorious pirate of the 17th century, captivated the public with sensationalized accounts of his exploits. The British government offered substantial rewards for his capture. Steven Johnson argues that Every’s actions inadvertently catalyzed a significant shift in the global economy. This book centers on the attack on an Indian treasure ship by Every and his crew, exploring its lasting impact across time and space. It recounts the story of one of history’s most lucrative crimes, the first international manhunt, and the trial of the 17th century.

Johnson uses Every’s tale to examine the rise of the East India Company, the British Empire, and the modern global marketplace. How did this unlikely pirate and his crime contribute to the birth of multinational capitalism? This book skillfully traces the consequences of a single event to a global crisis.

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)