Overview
In this grand and thrilling narrative, the acclaimed biographer of Magellan, Columbus, and Marco Polo brings alive the singular life and adventures of Sir Francis Drake, theĀ pirate/explorer/admiralĀ whose mastery of the seas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I changed the course of history
āBergreen masterly portrays ... the swashbuckling life and times of the explorer who achieved what Magellan could notāand made Englandās fortune in the process.ā āKirkus, STARRED review
Before he was secretly dispatched by Queen Elizabeth toĀ circumnavigate the globe, or was called uponĀ to save England from the Spanish Armada, FrancisĀ Drake was perhaps the most wantedāand successfulāpirate 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 queenāand 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 Elizabeth's covert orders, Drake became the first captain toĀ circumnavigate the earth successfully. (FerdinandĀ Magellan had died in his attempt.) Part exploring expedition, part raiding mission, Drake's audacious around-the-world journey in the Golden Hind reachedĀ Patagonia, the Pacific Coast of present-day California and Oregon, the Spice Islands, Java, and Africa. Almost a decadeĀ later, Elizabeth called upon Drake again. As the devil-may-care vice admiral of the English fleet, Drake dramatically defeated the once-invincible Spanish Armada, spurringĀ the British Empireās ascent and permanently wounding its greatest rival.Ā
The relationship between Drake and ElizabethĀ is the missing link in our understanding of the riseĀ of the British Empire, and its importance has notĀ been fully described or appreciated. Framed aroundĀ Drakeās key voyages as a window into this crucialĀ moment in British history, In Search of a KingdomĀ is a rousing adventure narrative entwining epicĀ historical themes with intimate passions.
This book title, In Search of a Kingdom (Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire) - 9780063062979, ISBN: 9780063062979, by Laurence Bergreen, published by HarperCollins (March 16, 2021) is available in paperback (large print). Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer In Search of a Kingdom (Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire) - 9780063062979 books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order In Search of a Kingdom (Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire) - 9780063062979 books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!