Grand Bahama Island - Originally born in Washington County, Durham England, retired educator turned extra on Pirates of The Caribbean 2 & 3, directed by Gore Verbinski. With Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgård and others, David Cook was inspired to write his new book, “Pirates of The Bahamas.”

The Bahamas Weekly News Team caught up with Mr. Cook at The Sir Charles Hayward Library, Freeport, Grand Bahama where he was presenting copies of his new book to Librarian, Elaine Talma.

David takes us on an riveting journey through his life; from his early days teaching in Zambia and the U.K. to his latter days as an educator in The Bahamas; first on Andros Island then on Grand Bahama Island.

Cook explains the difference between a buccaneer and a pirate, and speaks of the famous female pirates - Anne Bonney and Mary Read. Nassau was at one time the main hub for pirates, but he also speaks on modern day piracy, that of Norman Cay in the 1980s. The final chapter in the book is dedicated to Cook's exprerience of being an extra on the set of Disney's Pirates of The Caribbean 2 & 3. The art work in the book is all done by David Cook himself, and he has drawn many of the islands of The Bahamas, as well as a variety of pirate flags.

Be prepared to experience what it was like to work as an extra & photo double for Stellan Skarsgård who played “Bootstrap Bill” as David takes you behind the scenes of Disney Pictures, Pirates of The Caribbean 2 & 3 (partly filmed on Grand Bahama Island) which was the catalyst leading to his factual book “Pirates of The Bahamas.” Be sure to click the play button then sit back relax and enjoy the ride…

Mr. Cook at The Sir Charles Hayward Library, Freeport, Grand Bahama where he was presenting copies of his new book to Librarian, Elaine Talma. Photo: Robbin Whachell

Pirates of The Bahamas is available at  H&L School Supplies, Bahamian Tings, Bellevue Gifts, Rand Nature Centre, Bethel Booksellers and UNEXSO in Grand Bahama and in New Providence through Media Enterprises and their outlets.