Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake: 1577-1580 Book

I came to this book with scant knowledge of Sir Francis Drake, basically that he was post-Christopher Columbus British naval explorer - and that he had a beard. Obviously there is much more to this amazing man's story and ample reason as to why he's remembered - and books are still being written about him - 400+ years after his sea voyages. (To put Drake in historical perspective, William Shakespeare was a contemporary.) This volume provides an excellent and very readable chronicle of Drake's life, times and adventures.

Queen Elizabeth - the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn - was on the British throne during Drake's lifetime. She and England were in the midst of "religious turmoil" stirred up by first her father, and then her half-sister, Mary. On the "global" front, Elizabeth was performing a delicate balancing act as a world power, seeking a national identity without unduly provoking her European neighbors - France, Portugal and particularly King Philip's Spain.

This "contest" included trade from Asia and the colonization of the New World; the goal to exploit their treasures. Since the only mode of long-distance transportation available at the time were sailing ships, he - or she - who ruled the high seas, controlled trade which also meant the associated riches; so a sailor and commander of Drake's caliber was a valuable resource indeed. And Drake was one hell of a sailor.

Without spoiling too much of Drake's story here, he was tasked by Elizabeth to find a northwest passage to Asia around North America, much like the Straits of Magellan around the southern tip of South America. He never found it because there isn't one. Along the way though, and particularly during the almost three year voyage chronicled here, Sir Francis explored and mapped the new world, survived harrowing meteorological circumstances, fought numerous naval battles and secured 30 tons of plunder - 30 tons! And also, by the way, he and his crew circumnavigated, i.e. sailed around, the globe.

As to the particulars of Drake's nautical adventures and as to why and how they were kept "secret" - well - read the book - You won't be disappointed. The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake is a fascinating and compelling read.