The Birth of the British Empire: Francis Drake and Queen Elizabeth I

The New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice, described Elizabethan explorer Francis Drake's adventures as "fascinating, dramatic, and well-timed." Explore the thrilling journeys of this British empire navigator.

Embark on an exhilarating tale as the renowned biographer delves into the exceptional exploits of Sir Francis Drake. Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Drake's remarkable mastery of the seas reshaped the course of British history and greatly influenced the expansion of the British Empire.

An enchanting performance that is truly excellent, as reviewed by the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier than he was secretly dispatched by Queen Elizabeth to circumnavigate the globe, or was referred to as upon to save lots of England from the Spanish Armada, Francis Drake was maybe probably the most wished–and profitable–pirate ever to sail. Nicknamed "El Draque" by the Spaniards who positioned a bounty on his head, the infamous red-haired, hot-tempered Drake pillaged galleons laden with New World gold and silver, stealing an enormous fortune for his queen–and himself. For Elizabeth, Drake made the unattainable actual, serving as a vital and brilliantly adaptable instrument of her ambitions to rework England from a third-rate island kingdom into a worldwide imperial energy.

In 1580, crusing on Elizabeth's covert orders, Drake grew to become the primary captain to circumnavigate the earth efficiently. (Ferdinand Magellan had died in his try.) Half exploring expedition, half raiding mission, Drake's audacious around-the-world journey within the Golden Hind reached Patagonia, the Pacific Coast of present-day California and Oregon, the Spice Islands, Java, and Africa. Virtually a decade later, Elizabeth referred to as upon Drake once more. Because the devil-may-care vice admiral of the English fleet, Drake dramatically defeated the once-invincible Spanish Armada, spurring the British Empire’s ascent and completely wounding its best rival. 

The connection between Drake and Elizabeth is the lacking hyperlink in our understanding of the rise of the British Empire, and its significance has not been absolutely described or appreciated. Framed round Drake’s key voyages as a window into this important second in British historical past, In Search of a Kingdom  is a rousing journey narrative entwining epic historic themes with intimate passions.