Black Beard the pirate has been the preoccupation of many a scholar, treasure hunter, writer and fan of pirates all around. His true identity, his origins and so much more have been the subject of many books and now Raleigh-based author Kevin Duffus offers us another possible look into the life Black Bear, aka Edward Thatch, or Teach or perhaps Beard in his book, "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate."

Duffus, who also authored the popular book, "Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks," set off on a journey in hopes of discovering who this infamous scallywag may be. Duffus will be on hand Saturday to discuss his book and sign copies at Page After Page Bookstore, noon to 2 p.m.

Submitted photo (ENLARGE)

Duffus writes that history remembers the pirate as one of the greats whose exploits have placed him at the top of the pantheon of great pirates.

He was known to have commanded one of the most impressive pirate fleets during the Golden Age of Piracy, with four ships and four men at his disposal.

"But in a stunning reversal, everything suddenly went wrong," writes Duffus, describing the last days of Black Beard when he and 20 men ran afoul of the Royal Navy.

"What happened during Black Beard's last days that precipitated his demise," Duffus goes on to write. "Who truly was Edward Teach, aka Black Beard, and fron whence did he come? What was his true name? And what happened to his treasure?"

These are the questions that author and award-winning filmmaker Kevin Duffus attempts to answer after years of research into arguably one of the most famous and infamous figures in the world of piracy.

If you go

What: "The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate" book signing

When: Saturday, noon-2 p.m.

Where: Page After Page