Elizabeth's Sea Dogs: How England's mariners became the scourge of the seas

(Paperback)

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Description

Elizabeth's Sea Dogs investigates the rise and fall of a unique group of adventurers - men like Francis Drake, John Hawkins, Martin Frobisher and Walter Raleigh. Seen by the English as heroes but by the Spanish as pirates, they were expert seafarers and controversial characters. This riveting new account reveals them for what they were: extremely tough men in extremely hard times. They sailed, fought, looted and whored their way across the globe; in the process, they established a lasting British presence in the Americas, defeated the Spanish Armada, and made Queen Elizabeth I very wealthy, if seldom grateful. Author Hugh Bicheno sets the Sea Dogs in historical context and reveals their lives and exploits through diligent historical research incorporating contemporary testimony. With additional appendices, colour plates, the author's own maps and technical drawings, Elizabeth's Sea Dogs tells their vivid, extraordinary story as it was lived, in the author's trademark engaging style.

Reviews

Elizabeths Sea Dogs will interest both casual and serious students of maritime matters in Elizabethan times. It offers a good introduction to the era, while presenting new concepts those versed in the period will find thought-provoking. -- Mark Lardas * Naval Historical Foundation *
A cracking good read * Military History Monthly *
Will appeal to those with an interest in our maritime history and to those seeking to improve their grasp of the reality of the Elizabethan era * Pennant Magazine *
A comprehensive account * Warships International Fleet Review *
As a history, Elizabeth's Sea Dogs works well; worthy of a place on a maritime bookshelf. * The Nautilus Telegraph *

Author Bio

Hugh Bicheno is a writer and historian with a specialist interest in the politics and cutting edge of conflict. His books include Gettysburg (2002), Midway (2002), Crescent and Cross: the Battle of Lepanto 1571 (2003), Rebels & Redcoats: the American Revolutionary War (2003), Razors Edge: the Unofficial History of the Falklands War (2006) and Vendetta: High Art and Low Cunning at the Birth of the Renaissance (2008).