The Barbary Pirates and an Unsung American Hero, with Des Ekin | Sons of History, Ep. 2

Des Ekin has uncovered an American who deserves to be celebrated among the many heroes (and anti-heroes) of early America. Ekin, the author of the new book “The Lionkeeper of Algiers,” joins the podcast to discuss the battles fought by the United States against the Barbary Pirates during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as the subject of his book, James Cathcart—a young sailor who could easily have served as the inspiration for the character of Rick in the film “Casablanca.”