Birds of Prey is a 1997 novel by Wilbur Smith set in the late 17th century.

Smith says the book established the characteristics of the family: "Right from Birds of Prey... the Courtneys were pirates, merchants, looking to seize the main chance.

But with the Ballantynes it was much more empire, patriotism, glory – the soldierly virtues.

Sir Francis Courteney and his son Hal attack ships of the Dutch East India Company off the coast of Africa.

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