The Myth of Blackbeard

Blackbeard had a short career—less than two years—but he's become a larger-than-life legend. Much of what we've heard about him is greatly embellished, though he would be pleased by his modern-day portrayal. A pirate's life was usually nasty, brutish, and short, but if they survived, they were often welcomed back warmly into their hometowns. Guest: Eric Jay Dolin, author of "Black Flags, Blue Waters" and "Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America"