In Search of a Kingdom: Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire

(Hardback)

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FASCINATING . . . Dramatic and timely.New York Times Book Review,Editors' Choice

In this grand and thrilling narrative, the acclaimed biographer of Magellan and Columbus reveals the singular adventures of Sir Francis Drake,whose mastery of the seas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I changed the course of history.

Entrancing . . . Very good indeed.Wall Street Journal

Before he was secretly dispatched by Queen Elizabeth tocircumnavigate the globe, or was called uponto save England from the Spanish Armada, FrancisDrake was perhaps the most wantedand successfulpirate ever to sail. Nicknamed El Draque by the Spaniards who placed a bounty on his head, the notorious red-haired, hot-tempered Drake pillaged galleons laden with New World gold and silver, stealing a vast fortune for his queenand himself. For Elizabeth, Drake made the impossible real, serving as a crucial and brilliantly adaptable instrument of her ambitions to transform England from a third-rate island kingdom into a global imperial power.

In 1580, sailing on Elizabeths covert orders, Drake became the first captain tocircumnavigate the earth successfully. (FerdinandMagellan had died in his attempt.) Part exploring expedition, part raiding mission, Drakes audacious around-the-world journey in theGolden HindreachedPatagonia, the Pacific Coast of present-day California and Oregon, the Spice Islands, Java, and Africa. Almost a decadelater, Elizabeth called upon Drake again. As the devil-may-care vice admiral of the English fleet, Drake dramatically defeated the once-invincible Spanish Armada, spurringthe British Empires ascent and permanently wounding its greatest rival.

The relationship between Drake and Elizabethis the missing link in our understanding of the riseof the British Empire, and its importance has notbeen fully described or appreciated. Framed aroundDrakes key voyages as a window into this crucialmoment in British history,In Search of a Kingdomis a rousing adventure narrative entwining epichistorical themes with intimate passions.

Reviews

Fascinating. Engaging. Drakes story is both dramatic and timely. InLaurence Bergreenscolorful assessment, an unlikely alliance between Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Francis Drake empowered English Protestants to stake out the beginnings of the British Empire. New York Times Book Review, "Editors' Choice" A dramatic tale of discovery. ... Acomprehensive look at Drake, in all his contradictions. ... A lively and compelling history of a man whose blend of audacity, piety and cruelty changed the world. San Francisco Chronicle Vivid. Entrancing. ... The accounts of Drakes circumnavigation and his subsequent naval career are very good indeed. They will surely delight aficionados of imperial history and anyone keen on real-life adventure stories. Wall Street Journal "With a keen sense of adventure and a sharp grasp of personalities on sea and land, Bergreen details Drakes round-the-world adventures as well as political intrigues and mutinous sailors." Booklist (starred review) The swashbuckling life and times of the explorer who achieved what Magellan could notand made Englands fortune in the process. ...Demonstrating his deep knowledge of the era, the author energetically recounts Drakes action-packed journey. ...Bergreen masterly portrays the principal characters in this drama. A smooth, dramatic, and well-fleshed world history. Kirkus Reviews(starred review) The great pleasure ofIn Search of a Kingdomis the revelation of Drake as a man of apparent contradictions that helped rather than hindered his ambitions. Readers in search of a story of how a clergymans son gained the support of a queen and helped found the British Empire will not be disappointed. Washington Independent Review of Books Laurence Bergreens new book tells the swashbuckling tale of Sir Francis Drake. Drakes trip around the globe, which Bergreen describes in great and fascinating detail, was truly a marvel. The account of Drakes remarkable trip and Bergreens parsing of this complicated character will repay the time of readers who choose to take this 400-page trip. American Spectator

Author Bio

Laurence Bergreen is the author of the highly acclaimed biographies Capone: The Man and his Era, As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin, James Agee: A Life and Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life.