Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard is a great, entertaining layman's book that goes from early years to the development of the pirate coalitions and how they were destroyed. You will never think of the Bahamas the same way again! It will also introduce you to the little remembered Henry Every, one of the most unbeleivable and important figures in pirate history. After which, you'll probably want to read "King of the Pirates" by E.T. Fox.